REPORT OF THE 54TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE REPORT OF THE 54TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE

CONTENTS

1. Introduction by the Secretary General 1

2. Credentials Report 2

3. National Executive Committee 9 a. Officials b. NEC

4. Declaration of the 54th National Conference 11

5. Resolutions a. Organisational Renewal 13 b. Communications and the Battle of Ideas 23 c. Economic Transformation 30 d. Education, Health and Science & Technology 35 e. Legislature and Governance 42 f. International Relations 53 g. Social Transformation 63 h. Peace and Stability 70 i. Finance and Fundraising 77

6. Closing Address by the President 80 REPORT OF THE 54TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE

1

INTRODUCTION BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL COMRADE

The 54th National Conference was convened under improves economic growth and meaningfully addresses the theme of “Remember Tambo: Towards inequality and unemployment. Unity, Renewal and Radical Socio-economic Transformation” and presented cadres of Conference reaffirmed the ANC’s commitment to our movement with a concrete opportunity for nation-building and directed all ANC structures to introspection, self-criticism and renewal. develop specific programmmes to build non-racialism and non-sexism. It further directed that every ANC The ANC can unequivocally and proudly say that we cadre must become activists in their communities and emerged from this conference invigorated and renewed drive programmes against the abuse of drugs and to continue serving the people of . alcohol, gender based violence and other social ills. Fundamentally, Conference directed every ANC We took fundamental resolutions aimed at radically member to work tirelessly for the renewal of our transforming the lives of the people for the better and organisation and to build unity across all structures. A our tasks now are to transform these resolutions into united ANC is a prerequisite for leading the struggle programmes that will make meaningful and lasting for a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and difference to peoples’ existence. prosperous South Africa.

The ANC is committed to addressing the historical We invite you to read this report of the 54th National injustice of land dispossessions and we shall pursue Conference and to discuss the resolutions contained land expropriation without compensation as a matter herein thoroughly. of policy. We shall give effect to this resolution in a manner that strengthens the agricultural sector, Amandla!

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2

CREDENTIALS REPORT

The ANC Constitution as amended and adopted by the 53rd National Conference requires that the National Executive Committee must convene the national conference every five years.

Rule 10.1. of the ANC Constitution states that the national conference is the supreme ruling and controlling body of the ANC. It shall be composed of the following: n At least 90% of delegates at conference shall be from branches, elected at properly constituted branch general meetings n The number of delegates per branch shall be in proportion to its paid up membership, provided that each branch in standing shall be entitled to at least one delegate. n The number of delegates to be allocated to each national conference shall be fixed by the National Executive Committee in proportion to the paid up membership of each province. n All members of the National Executive Committee shall attend, ex officio, as full participants in, and as delegates to the national conference. n The remainder of the 10% of voting delegates at the conference shall by allocated by the NEC from among the Provincial Executive Committees, the ANC Veterans League, the ANC Youth League and the ANC Women’s League.

Rule 10.1.2. of the ANC Constitution states that the NEC may invite individuals, who have made special contribution to the struggle or who have special skills or experience to attend the conference and participate as Non-voting delegates to the conference.

In compliance with the provisions of the ANC Constitution, the office of the Secretary General conducted membership audits in order to ascertain the state of ANC branches and membership as at 30 April 2017.

As a result, the allocation of delegates as determined by the National Executive Committee is as follows:

Province Number of Delegates

EASTERN CAPE 648 409 508 KWA-ZULU NATAL 870 643 736 NORTH WEST 538 197 WESTERN CAPE 182 TOTAL 4731

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Conference Credentials as adopted during the 54th National Conference

Province Category Expected Registered Collected

EASTERN CAPE BRANCH 648 636 632 GAUTENG BRANCH 508 491 491 FREE STATE BRANCH 409 355 349 KWA-ZULU NATAL BRANCH 870 840 804 LIMPOPO BRANCH 643 553 567 MPUMALANGA BRANCH 736 722 708 NORTHERN CAPE BRANCH 197 193 193 NORTH WEST BRANCH 538 511 446 WESTERN CAPE BRANCH 182 146 136 TOTAL 4731 4447 4326

EASTERN CAPE PEC 27 27 27 GAUTENG PEC 27 27 27 FREE STATE PEC 0 0 0 KWA-ZULU NATAL PEC 0 0 0 LIMPOPO PEC 27 27 27 MPUMALANGA PEC 27 27 27 NORTHERN CAPE PEC 27 27 27 NORTH WEST PEC 27 27 27 WESTERN CAPE PEC 27 27 27 TOTAL 189 189 189

NEC MEMBERS NEC 86 86 86

ANC Veterans’ League LEAGUES 60 55 55 ANC Youth League LEAGUES 60 60 60 ANC Women’s League LEAGUES 60 60 60 TOTAL VOTING DELEGATES 5006 4897 4776

ANC Ambassodors NON-VOTING 567 567 567 Support Staff NON-VOTING 415 415 415 Guests NON-VOTING 299 299 299 TOTAL NON-VOTING 1281 1281 1281 GRAND TOTAL 6562 6453 6148

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STATUS REPORT ON 63 COMRADES WHOSE VOTES WERE NOT COUNTED 63 comrades presented themselves at the voting station but their names did not appear on the voters roll. Their votes were registered by the Elexions Agency but the ballot papers were kept in 63 separate envelops. These ballots were not counted.

Only those delegates whose branches were pre-registered and verified later, are included in the credentials report. This does not alter the credentials report.

The 63 comrades come from the following Provinces: Free State 3 KwaZulu Natal 12 Mpumalanga 3 Gauteng 6 Limpopo 32 Western Cape 4 Veterans 1 2 blank sheets of paper were included.

The table below sets out the provinces, names of the comrades and the reasons for the exclusion:

Region/ Name of Verification Province Branch Sub-region Delegate Process

FREE STATE Fezile Dabi Ward 8 Mandla Ntombela Passed

Fezile Dabi Ward 1 Jabunali Sigasa Failed

Mafube Sub-region Ward 1 Simolia John Tsotetsi Failed

KZN Ulundi Ward 14 Ntlovu Ntombiyke Failed

Pongolo Ward 6 Nhlengethwa Muziwempi Failed

Ulundi Ward 14 Ndithathe Unknown to region Thembalethu and province

Dumbe sub-region Ward 14 Mbuso Kunene Kunene voted Branch mandated delegate is Cde Mxolisi Zulu

Abaqulusi, Nongoma Ward 5 William Nkosi Failed

Pongolo Ward 4 Sipho Nkosi Passed

Nongoma Ward 16 Sibusiso Mkhize Failed

Nongoma Ward 2 Sibusiso Vilani Failed

Nongoma Ward 8 Zanele Ngubane Failed

Nongoma Ward 3 Bhekisizwe Zulu Failed

Kwa Dukuza Ward 4 Sipho Dludla Passed, No ID Mapumulo sub-region

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Region/ Name of Verification Province Branch Sub-region Delegate Process

MPUMALANGA Nkangala Ward 22 Solomon Bizzah Passed Emalahleni sub- Motubatse region

Steve Tshwete Ward 20 Elizabeth Dibaleng Passed Mahlangu

Nhlanzeni region Ward 3 Jacob Mtetwa Passed

GAUTENG Tshwane Ward 82 Kgathatso Tlhakudi Failed

West Rand Ward 10 Shadean Butler Passed Voter lost accreditation

Tshwane Ward 37 Albert Kgoadiamoleke Passed

Tshwane Ward 68 Justice Mabasa Passed

West Rand Ward 97 Nkoata Ananias Branch qualified for Mokgalotsi 2 voters. Nkoata was left off

Tshwane Ward 105 William Motaung Passed

LIMPOPO Waterberg Ward 5 Caroline Seabe Passed Lephalele sub-region

Waterberg Ward 10 Molomo Malesela Delegate Mogalekwena Thomas captured on voters roll was Tapala Ramokone

Waterberg Ward 4 Sello Makumbelo Branch qualified Modimolle for two delegates – Phetela Annekie and Monyamane Stemmer. Sello wss not a delegate

Mopani Ward 30 Vukosi Ngubane Passed Giyani Voter did not submit ID number on time

Mopani Ward 9 Daniel Mathebula Passed Giyani

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Region/ Name of Verification Province Branch Sub-region Delegate Process

LIMPOPO Mopani Ward 8 Allen Mogale Failed Phalaborwa

Mopani Ward 18 Edward Rihlampfu Passed Phalaborwa Delegate is Ngobeni Madala

Mopani Ward 8 Jameson Mbhalati Failed Greater Tzaneen

Mopani Ward 21 Raymond Daniel Passed Tzaneen Delegate is Thandi Phenyana

Vhembe Ward 6 Rendani Lalumbe Failed Thulamela

Vhembe Ward 4 Matumba Ambani Passed Makhado Told by agency that someone voted already

Vhembe Ward 6 Mudele Mashudu Failed Thulamela

Vhembe Ward 28 Moses Maluleke Passed

Vhembe Ward 37 Ramaphosa Passed Thulamela Mashudu Told by agency that someone voted already

Sekhukhune Ward 14 Nelly Makofana Failed Fetagomo

Sekhukhune Ward 21 Beauty Manaleng Passed Makhuduthamaga

Sekhukhune Ward 35 Maisela Charlotte Failed Fetagomo Matlale

Sekhukhune Ward 19 Malomane Kapudi Failed Fetagomo

Sekhukhune Ward 2 Moses Vusi Baloyi Failed Ephraim Mogale

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Region/ Name of Verification Province Branch Sub-region Delegate Process

LIMPOPO Sekhukhune Ward 26 Boshielo William Passed Makhuduthamaga Mandated delegate is Mahlase Masekwele

Sekhukhune Ward 31 Mothibe Rhodes Passed Elias Motsoaledi Msiza Mandated delegate is Sephesumahola Rufus

Peter Mokaba Ward 6 Stephina Mothopi Molemole sub-region

Peter Mokaba Ward 1 Leso Ramakgaphola Failed Blouberg

Peter Mokaba Ward 8 Kganakga Matome Failed Molemole

Peter Mokaba Ward 12 Seemola Vincent Failed Blouberg

Peter Mokaba Ward 23 Kgomo Stephina Failed Sefako Makgotho

Peter Mokaba Ward 5 Katherine Failed Blouberg Matsobane

Peter Mokaba Ward 12 Ramahuma Metse Failed Blouberg

Peter Mokaba Ward 17 Pat Makape Failed

Waterberg Ward 30 Name not disclosed Passed. Mokalakwena Branch qualified for 2 delegates

Waterberg Ward 9 Motshegwa Passed Mokalakwena Ramoselegwa

Waterberg Ward 4 Kenneth Latela Branch not Satege verified

ANC VETERANS’ Jacob Otto Delegate not on LEAGUE Marule voters roll

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Region/ Name of Verification Province Branch Sub-region Delegate Process

WESTERN CAPE Dullah Omar Ward 37 Buyisile Martin Passed Makasi

Dullah Omar Ward 58/59 Given Sebei Passed

Breede Valley Ward 2 Lubisi Mpumelelo Passed Boland

Dullah Omar Ward 16 Mzoli Matutu Passed

The delegates highlighted in grey was added to the voters roll.

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3

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The following constitute the National Executive Committee duly elected at the 54th National Conference:

OFFICIALS President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa Deputy President David Dabeda Mabuza National Chairperson Secretary General Ace Magashule Deputy Secretary General Treasurer General

Directly elected members • • Pule Mabe • • Sfiso Buthelezi • Regina Mhaule • Mduduzi Manana • David Masondo • • • • • • Violet Siqeda • Enoch Godongwana • Zizi Kodwa • • Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma • • • • • • • • • • • Collen Maine • • • Sdumo Dlamini • Tina Joemat-Petterson • • Nkenke Kekana • • Maite Nkoana-Mashabane • • • • • • Ruth Bhengu • Zingiswa Losi • • • • • Nocawe Mafu

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• • Nokuzola Capa • Tony Yengeni • • Joel Netshitenzhe • Pinky Moloi • Dakota Lekgoete • Beauty Dlulane • Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula • Pamela Tshwete • Noxolo Kieviet • Thokozile Xasa • • Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba • • • Sibongile Besani • • Dikeledi Makatsi • • • • • Rejoice Mabudafhasi • • Candith Mashego • • Cindy Tshikunga • Khensani Kubayi • Gwen Ramokgopa • Thandi Mahambehlala •

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4

DECLARATION OF THE 54TH CONFERENCE

We, the nearly 5,000 ANC delegates, having met at NASREC , Gauteng from 16th – 20th December 2017, during the centennial celebrations of our longest serving President, Isithwalandwe/ Seaparankoe Oliver Reginald Tambo.

We convened under the theme of “Remember Tambo: Towards Unity, Renewal and Radical Socio-economic Transformation”, to remind ourselves of Comrade OR’s legacy of selfless service to his people and our duty to emulate him in working for the unity and renewal of our organization.

An ANC that is united and committed to the people’s interests remains the best vehicle to bring about fundamental and radical socio-economic transformation of society to create a better life for all South Africans.

President Tambo called on the movement to ensure that the ANC remains a people’s parliament. Delegates came from across the length and breadth of the country to discuss and adopt policies that affect the people’s lives. Our debates were enhanced by the contributions from fraternal partners from across the world, our Alliance partners - the South African Communist Party, the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the South African National Civic Organisation – as well as the broad Mass Democratic Movement.

Delegates confirmed their commitment to work tirelessly for the fundamental renewal of the ANC. We emerged from the 54th National Conference more united and determined to lead the struggle for a united, non-racial, non- sexist, democratic and prosperous society.

In this regard, Conference agreed on the urgent tasks to strengthen the movement and modernize the way we function, both as a liberation movement and an electoral party.

We pay tribute to the patience of the thousands of ANC delegates who worked long hours, participating in the internal democratic processes and who never wavered from fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to them by their branches and other structures of the organisation.

Long before National Conference, across the country, ANC members met in branch general meetings and constitutional structures, making invaluable and robust contributions to the organizational and policy debates of National Conference.

The 54th National Conference reaffirmed that the ANC will guide the South African economy in accordance with the ’s call that the people shall share in the country’s wealth. We shall, as urgently as possible, bring together, government, the labour movement, business and communities in a social pact to accelerate economic growth and create jobs. Conference resolved that the ANC should, as a matter of policy, pursue expropriation of land without compensation. This should be pursued without destabilising the agricultural sector, without endangering food security in our country and without undermining economic growth and job creation.

We have also committed to speed up programmes of providing basic services to all the people of our country; and in this regard we will ensure that all spheres of government are capacitated to meet their obligations.

The ANC commits to the people of South Africa that we shall isolate and root out corrupt tendencies in the public and private sectors.

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International work remains a key pillar of social transformation for the movement. In this regard, 54th National Conference recommitted the ANC to work for a better Africa and a better world and we commit to the strengthening of the African Union and SADC. The ANC unreservedly condemns the resurgence of modern slavery, including the slave trade in Libya as a crime against humanity and calls on the South African government to continue working with the Libyan authorities, the African Union and international community to bring an end to this practice.

The ANC expresses its concern about the rise of right-wing nationalism and the growing trend towards protectionism which has the potential of worsening global tensions. We reaffirm our solidarity with the people of Western Sahara, Palestine and Cuba. Delegates endorsed the proposal that we must give practical support to the oppressed people of Palestine and resolved on an immediate and unconditional downgrade of the SA embassy in Israel to a Liaison Office. Conference directs ANC branches to lead communities in furthering local development and service delivery and in building non-racialism and non-sexism. ANC cadres must develop programmes aimed at stamping out social ills, including gender-based violence, alcoholism and drug abuse and in building social cohesion.

Conference deliberated upon the plight of young people and agreed that a skills revolution is an absolute necessity if we are to fully exploit their energies for the greater good of society, it is for the reason that the ANC remains committed to the implementation of free higher education for children of the poor and working class at all public universities and TVET colleges starting from the 2018 academic year.

Delegates to this Conference were sharp in their criticism that our electoral processes, both as an organisation and as a country, do not always guarantee the full representation and participation of women in key decision making structures. We are resolute that the ANC will find sound, effective and sustainable structural mechanisms to ensure the full realisation of women’s potential especially in leadership roles. It is our belief that the full participation of women in the leadership structures of society will constitute a giant leap towards the total emancipation of women. We came to this Conference cognisant of the fact that the Movement was deeply divided and was tearing itself apart. Critically, our standing in society was declining as a result of our own subjective weaknesses. In the process of 54th National Conference, we engaged one another robustly and frankly, addressing difficulties head-on and with a view to build consensus that is premised on the humane and revolutionary principles that define who we are as an organisation.

We depart from this conference fully aware that the work of restoring the integrity of our movement has just begun. We must all – from the National Executive Committee to provinces, regions and branches – work much harder, together to rebuild and unite this glorious movement of our people. Our fundamental task is to lead a concerted campaign aimed at addressing the persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. The ANC must take heed of the example of the life-long activist and disciplined member of our movement, Isithwalandwe/ Seaparankoe Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela who said that “The struggle is my life” and commit ourselves to being life-long activists in the struggle to create a better life for all! In his words, we ‘dare not linger.’

The struggle continues! Matla! Ke rona! The ANC lives. The ANC leads.

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RESOLUTIONS 5

ORGANISATIONAL RENEWAL

BACKGROUND 5. Since then, the ANC continues to face a number of massive challenges in terms of our integrity and 1. The discussions on Organisational Renewal are in- support. formed by the character of the ANC as a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic liberation movement that must organise, mobilise and lead the motive CHALLENGES forces and society; and as a registered political par- ty that contest elections, governs and participate as 6. The Diagnostic Report presented at the 5th Policy opposition to build a National Democratic Society. Conference describes the many challenges we face as an organisation. These are also captured in the 2. The movement therefore has to continually review Political Report by the President and the Provincial its organisational state and capacities, and its rela- Policy conference reports. Many of these challeng- tionship with the people and society. Since the Port es are not new and many of the issues around neg- Elizabeth National General Council in 2000, the ative practices were dealt with by the 2015 NGC. matter of organisational renewal has occupied our deliberations in the context of the ANC as an Agent 7. Chief among these, also highlighted in Strategy and for Change. Over the last seventeen years, we’ve ad- Tactics and the Organisational Discussion Docu- opted numerous decisions on Organisational Re- ments, are: newal and Design, to ensure that the ANC remains (a) A loss of confidence in the ANC because of a servant of the people and leader of society. social distance, corruption, nepotism, arro- gance, elitism, factionalism, manipulating or- 3. We therefore re-affirm our commitment to: ganisational processes, abusing state power, n Being rooted among the people, represent- putting self interest above the people. Even the ing their interests, concerns and aspirations, strongest ANC supporters agree the “sins of transforming society and developing every incumbency” are deeply entrenched. Many or- community; ganisations and thought leaders have become n Maintaining a vibrant internal democracy in the critics of the ANC and its leadership and we ANC and supporting the principle and practice are losing much of our influence and appeal of collective leadership; among students, young intellectuals and the n Readiness and willingness of our members to black middle class. serve, and make sacrifices in pursuit of the While we know that much of the ANC and cause of the people as a whole; government are not affected by this cancer, n Readiness to acknowledge and decisively ad- the movement as a whole is judged as being dress our weaknesses in order to accelerate the part of the problem. people’s struggle; (b) Leadership weaknesses and loss of integrity, n Increasing our capacity to plan, coordinate and characterised by competition to control state monitor and evaluate the implementation of pol- resources, factionalism, conflict, ill-discipline icies, and the impact on the people and society. and disunity, and the use of state institutions to settle differences. Slates and vote buying has n Upholding and building unity across all sections delivered leaders who have difficulty driving of South Africans and progressive forces in the our programmes or commanding respect from world in pursuit of the cause of humanity. society and our supporters. 4. The 53rd Conference affirmed an urgent need (c) A lack of planning, coordination, implementa- for renewal, which at its centre is about building tion and accountability for our work in govern- the ANC’s resilience, enhancing its transformative ment and the achievement of our policy goals. and governance capacity and its ability to adapt to We have serious weaknesses in achieving eco- changing situations so that it can continue to serve, nomic growth, overcoming education challeng- organise and lead the people.

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es, and in the effective combatting, prevention, REAFFIRM 53RD CONFERENCE RESOLU- investigation and prosecution of crime and TIONS ON ORGANISATIONAL RENEWAL corruption. 13. Mostly the 53rd Conference resolutions on Or- (d) Organisational work has focused more on mo- ganisational Renewal are still relevant and should bilising members to support specific factions be re-affirmed. The values and guiding principles or individuals with increasing negative practices of the organization have not changed, although we like gate-keeping and buying of membership. face many new challenges. (e) At the 2015 NGC we ourselves expressed a loss of trust in organisational integrity because of 14. The previous National Conferences elaborated the practices like membership and vote buying, fac- tasks of the ANC as follows: tions, using state institutions against each other, (a) To represent, organise and mobilise communi- and factional violence and killings. ties and the motive forces and win their sup- port and elections. 8. It is these factors that caused the decline in credi- bility and support for the ANC. The losses of 2016 (b) To win and use state power to achieve our goals Local Government Elections were a direct result of and better the lives of the people. these factors. Unless we arrest them in 2017, we will (c) To make policies, win broad support for them, speed up the decline and will face a real threat of implement them through the state and monitor losing power in a number of provinces, and more implementation and the impact on our people cities and towns. and transformation. 9. We agreed in the 2015 NGC that we need an un- (d) To transform society through our values, our compromising fight against these negative and un- integrity, exemplary leadership in society and acceptable practices, if we are to renew ourselves by winning the battle of ideas in a convincing and stay true to our goals and mission. That fight manner. has to be intensified now. (e) To select and deploy capable leaders and pub- 10. Because of the challenge to our core values, and lic representatives, with integrity, capacity, the our neglect of cadre development, our organisa- correct orientation and expertise to drive and tional capabilities – leadership, structure, cadreship, implement our programmes. members, expertise and political capacity, pro- (f) To develop Cadres, schooled in our values and grammes, systems and processes – do not match policies, with the capacities to be agents of the tasks and demands of the current phase of the change wherever they are deployed. revolution. This neglect also affected our capability 15. Resolutions from the 53rd Conference and the 4th to implement policies in government, drive com- NGC are therefore still relevant and need to be im- munications and sectoral work, monitor implemen- plemented with urgency. tation and build an organisation that effectively in- teracts with the people at grassroots level. Although we have progressive policies and cadres in virtually all pillars of transformation, we are not deliberately 54th NATIONAL CONFERENCE building appropriate capabilities, nor are we delib- FURTHER NOTES AND RESOLVES erately deploying competent cadres in accordance Introduction with the pillars of our current strategy and tactics. 1. The 54th National Conference discussed Organisa- 11. Our focus has to move back to our core tasks of tional Renewal in Commissions and during Plenary. representing and mobilising our communites and The deliberations considered recommendations of delivering development and transformation to the the 5th National Policy Conference (NPC), the con- people. It must be fixed on running a capable, de- solidated reports from Provincial General Councils velopmental and responsive state, implementing all (PGCs), the submission from the ANC Veterans our policies effectively, and advancing the imple- League, as well as issues raised in the reports of the mentation of the NDP. This will help to renew our National Executive Committee as presented by the values, integrity and build unity in action through President, Secretary General and Treasurer General. our commitment to a common mission. 2. Conference noted the extensive and robust dis- 12. Organisational renewal therefore is an absolute and cussions during the five-day policy conference, urgent priority, and we may go as far as to say, to the and subsequent discussions in branches, provincial survival of our great movement. general councils and in structures of the Leagues. It was clear from the contributions of branch del- egates to Conference, across commissions and in plenary, that branch general meetings engaged with

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National Policy Conference recommendations. branches work with councillors to report to and Conference salutes branches for taking their con- serve the community. stitutional responsibilities seriously. 5. All motive forces are represented in our local areas 3. National Conference affirmed the continued rele- and branches must strive to build trust, address is- vance of the decisions taken at the 53rd National sues of concern and work side by side with com- Conference and other conferences on Organisa- munities. tional Renewal. It concurred with the challenges identified by the 5th National Policy Conference Resolve and further noted that the ANC faces a major chal- lenge, not of diagnosis and responses, but of im- To strengthen, support and reinforce the work of plementation. It re-affirmed the assertion by the branches in the community through the following: 53rd National Conference, that “renewal is princi- 1. All branches should have sub-committees that fo- pally about building the ANC’s resilience, enhancing cus on sectors, community issues and campaigns. its transformative and governance capacity and its abili- ty to adapt to changing situations so that it can continue 2. The ANC must be involved in every issue that con- to serve and lead the people.” cerns people and should drive campaigns without gate-keeping and trying to control the people. 54th National Conference furthermore 3. Units or sub-branches can be set up to strengthen 4. Ratified the recommendations from the 5th Na- our ability to reach people directly, as reflected in tional Policy Conference on which there were con- the ANC Constitution. sensus; and 4. Sub–regions/zones must bring branches together 5. Decided that where recommendations of the Na- to plan municipal programmes, elections and hold tional Policy Conference and discussions of struc- ANC in local government to account. tures have not been dealt with or issues not conclud- 5. All branch members must be inducted within 3 ed, to mandate the National Executive Committee months and integrated into a sub-committee to to finalize these issues or to refer them to structures work in the community. for discussions towards a Special National General Council (NGC). 6. Every BEC must draw up an annual plan against which branch performance audits will be done, to 6. Raised the following additional recommendations achieve the following: and/or matters of emphasis to be processed the n Review community profile. Identify sectors and NEC, noting that due to shortage of time it was their issues; not canvassed with all commissions and therefore not exhaustively discussed. n Respond to community issues and make con- crete plans on what to do as ANC, community and local government; n PART A: Strengthen Organisational Deploy cadres to participate in CPF, SGB, clinic capacity and structures committees, and any other participation struc- tures with the role of leading through influence THE WORK OF BRANCH IN THE and support rather than demanding leadership COMMUNITY positions; Noting n Develop a sectoral outreach plan and attend 1. Branches are our means to stay in touch with our meetings of other organisations; constituency/ communities and impact on devel- n Analyse delivery issues and municipal plans, opment, and our means to mobilise and organise give ANC input and report to community, with our people. It is the first point of contact between councillors and MP/L; the ANC, the motive forces and the people we rep- n Communicate and meet with community at resent. least three times per year and support coun- 2. Branches must respond to the needs and interests cillor report backs and all public participation of the community and mobilise the people to form processes; partnerships for development and transformation. n Develop any key local issue campaigns and roll them out; 3. Branches are ward-based to enable us to drive, monitor and account for delivery of services at the n Advise and support anyone or any group expe- most local level. riencing a problem, disaster or conflict. n 4. Ward councillors report to branches and BECs, and 54th National Conference did not agree with

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the establishment of two membership cate- politically trained or under the direct discipline of gories, with supporters as a distinct category, the organisation. and re-affirmed that branches should rather be more involved in community engagement and activities. RESOLVES 7. Encourage ANC Branches to have a visible pres- 1. Instructs the NEC to oversee the urgent imple- ence in communities through offices, which can mentation of a modernized, technologically-en- also serve communities, the motive forces and abled membership system that will speed up the strengthen links with ANC councilors and other delivery of membership cards, allow for electronic public representatives. membership renewal and discourage gatekeeping. The membership list should be on the cloud and 8. Ensure compulsory BEC induction, based on the available to any executive member. ANC Branch Manual adopted by the NEC. 2. In line with the Polokwane resolution, resource 9. Review ward-based branches in rural areas, given branches, including implementing the resolution to the challenges of distance and other factors. allocate a portion or the whole membership fee to 10. Consider the establishment of international ANC branches. structures in countries with a large South African 3. Branch and membership audits should be done in diaspora. the presence of duly mandated BEC representa- 11. On membership recruitment, linking our targets tives. with the size of the population, e.g. one household 4. Members should have a 3 months probation period on ANC member, whilst continue working to build and membership should be for two years quality members and activists. 5. Every branch should have a recruitment strategy to target all sectors of society and different motive forces. ON SUB-BRANCHES OR UNITS 6. Conference maintained the current criteria for Conference resolves membership, and did not agree on the proposals 1. Implement sub-branches, based on voting districts for different categorisation of membership. as in the Constitution for the purpose of reaching people and working on the ground more effectively 2. VDs can be used for units and Voting district co- CLEAR ANC PROGRAMME OF ordinators should work with the BEC, and attend ACTION AT OTHER LEVELS extended BEC meetings Noting 3. International branches or Units: NEC to decide n That our programme at all levels should aim to ef- 4. Ward boundaries to stay as branch boundaries fectively represent and mobilise communities and the motive forces, win their ongoing confidence, 5. Sectoral branches not supported and their votes in elections; n The support needed for the work done at branch MEMBER RECRUITMENT AND and community level as detailed above; INDUCTION n The continuous work needed on elections and vot- Noting er contact; n n That the ANC has close to 1million members at most The need for ongoing sectoral work and work with times, but many are not active in their branches; and within the motive forces; n n The buying of members who never become active The implementation of the goals and programme in the work of the ANC; of the ANC for local and provincial government; n n The unreliable and slow membership card system The ANCs cadre development programme; n n Decline in quality and discipline; The need to effectively engage in the battle of ideas. n The profile of our membership and the lack of a multi-class membership with representation of all RESOLVES the motive forces; 1. That NEC, PEC, REC all must develop an An- n The fact that most of our members are not active, nual Strategic Plan with a funded budget to effect

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the above support and programmes for our work sion forum on topical issues to help inform our among the people. structures of positions on current debates 2. The Secretary’s office at all levels must monitor the 7. Our communication to branches should be im- achievements and outcomes of each programme proved and include more topical political and news and take the necessary action to address weak im- analysis. plementation. 8. and any other vehicle (like pod- 3. Include a permanent elections and sectoral work casts) should be used to spread the ideas of the capacity at national, provincial and regional level ANC and help us in the battle of ideas. 4. Branch audits should include the Programme of 9. The ANC should ensure that leaders deployed in Action as an indication of the life of the branch. government go through compulsory, regular and ongoing development; in addition to the respon- sibility of individuals to continually develop them- CADRE DEVELOPMENT selves. Noting n Our deployment of cadres in many areas of work ELECTIONS n The challenges faced by our structures, public rep- Noting resentatives and members n Our declining levels of support and inability to im- n The rapid turnover in leaders and public represen- plement our complete election campaign strategy tatives n Decreasing campaign management capacity and in- n The cadre development resolutions adopted by ability to maintain data on supporters and respond previous conferences to issues n The need for all cadres to understand the goals, val- n Our inability to communicate coherently and get ues, policies, principles and the programmes of the leaders to stay on message ANC n The candidate selection process and controversy n The need to develop the capacity of cadres de- that surrounds it in some areas ployed to higher levels of government and man- n The change in VD and ward boundaries that affect agement ANC branches and the fact that urbanisation hap- pens mostly in our wards. Delaying re-demarcation RESOLVES: for more than one 5 year period negatively affects our vote as more voters have the same vote as less 1. All ANC members must do the membership in- voters in wards that do not grow. And that it will be duction course during the probation period to be unconstitutional as wards must be within 10% the trained in the goals, values, principles and structure same size of the ANC. All BECs must be inducted with the BEC induction programme. THE Induction cours- n A tendency to insult voters by “gifts” of food par- es should also be available online cels and blankets before elections as a substitute for effective service delivery 2. All REC, PEC and NEC members must attend an induction course as soon as they assume office n An increase in dirty tactics by political parties in local elections, like “bussing” voters to register out- 3. All councillors must be inducted for at least three side their own ward and intimidation to stop voters days in the ANC approach to local government as from participating. well as the work we expect from councillors 4. The political school curriculum must be completed in an online version for branch study group or in- RESOLVES dividual use by mid 2018. All ANC cadres available 1. Building a professional and permanent election for selection as leaders and candidates must com- capacity at national and provincial level, instruct- plete the school and pass the courses. ing the NEC and other leadership collectives to 5. All leaders and candidates for deployment to gov- implement the resolution on maintaining full-time ernment must ensure that they build their skills and election capacity at national, provincial and regional qualifications to enhance their capacity level. 6. The ANC should develop a real and virtual discus- 2. Building on the ANC national cloud data base and

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supporting this work from regional and sub-region- ON SECTORAL WORK al level. Use the cloud to also track campaign work and municipal service delivery programme and Recognising the need to strengthen sectoral work across progress. society, conference resolved: 3. Strengthen communications capacity and training 1. Given the importance of women and youth in at all levels our society, the NEC must support the Youth and Women’s Leagues to fulfil their missions. 4. Branches must be more actively involved in the ward demarcations process and sub-regions and re- 2. Build a strong Women’s League who mobilises gions must help branches to adjust their member- women, across all the motive forces, and lead the ship and BECs after re-demarcation women’s movement and society as a motive force in the resolution of the patriarchal relations and a 5. Build a strong culture of respect for democracy, non-sexist society. tolerance and fair practice during election cam- paigns and strengthen our capacity to monitor and 3. The Youth League need to diligently and progres- respond to these practices. sively implement its twin tasks. Firstly, it must or- ganise, mobilise and educate young people behind 6. In selecting ANC councillors, the process should the vision of the ANC, and continue to be a polit- start with communities before finalization by the ical school for new generations. Secondly, it must ANC. champion the interest of young people in the ANC and in society, ensure that youth education them- selves ideologically and academically, to provide ALLIANCE innovation, energy and creativity to the project of radical social-economic transformation. Noting 4. Given the changes in demographics and in partic- n Our commitment to strengthen and build an Alli- ular our young population, Conference advised the ance united on a minimum programme of transfor- ANCYL to consider its cut-off age to be in line mation and development to drive the NDR. with its youthful constituency. n The current tensions and criticism and our inability 5. The Youth League and SASCO must work together to manage it constructively; on campuses, and especially when contesting elec- n The weakening of the trade union movement tions. Discuss with the Youth League the process through splits and factions; of SRC elections, to be contested primarily by SAS- CO, supported by the PYA. n The discussion in the SACP to possibly contest elections. 6. Reconsider the issue of sectoral branches so as to enhance the ANC’s ability to reach different sectors and lead society, e.g. in universities. RESOLVES 7. Strengthen organisational work among national 1. We must continue to build a strong Alliance, and groups and implement a focused programme to urgently convene a political council of the Alliance build non-racialism. to develop a structured programme, to discuss the different positions held by Alliance partners on the 8. The ANC as leader of society must engage the wid- configuration of the Alliance. est range of progressive sectors, civil society as well as society in general, around its vision of building a 2. The leadership must engage in a humble and listen- National Democratic Society. ANC members must ing way with our allies and find constructive ways all be active in community and sectoral organisations. of resolving current differences. 9. Instructs the National Executive Committee to ur- 3. Base our Alliance on a clear and simple minimum gently start engagements with all motive forces in platform with a programme of action that is imple- various organized formations, including those not mented and monitored part of the Alliance. 4. Avoid conflict and public spats through ongoing 10. Affirms the important role of traditional leaders in communication and cooperation and unity in action the struggles against colonialism and , and 5. Strengthen COSATU in the context of one indus- that they must continue to play an important role in try, one union and one country one federation, en- rural areas, including in advancing development and gage with the broader trade union movement out- transformation, in social cohesion, gender equality side COSATU towards working class unity. and deepening democracy and the participation of the rural motive forces.

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ON POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND RESOLVES IMPLEMENTATION 1. Our representatives act as representatives of the people, not only the ANC, and must therefore en- Noting joy good standing in the community n Our reliance on government and outside experts to 2. Ward candidates especially must be upstanding cit- develop and refine polices, especially in complex ar- izens and enjoy broad support before being nomi- eas such as economic and social development. Our nated. analysis that not all policies are implemented and that many are lost along the way. 3. The Electoral commission must revise the selec- tion guidelines to overcome some of manipulative n The fact that we do not have an effective system, to practices such as parachuting candidates by PECs allow comrades in the executive to account to the and RECs, influencing screening committees and organization for progress and delays in implemen- packing community meetings. tation. 4. The Electoral commission must develop the capac- n Our inability to effectively monitor and account for ity to screen candidates up to ward level. progress, as well as the impact of our policies.

RESOLVES REGION, SUB-REGION/ZONE 1. That the Policy Institute be set up as a matter of Noting urgency as in previous conference resolutions. n That we have municipal government close to ANC 2. That the Policy Institute is given the capacity and branch structures, often controlled and directed the resources needed to drive research, policy de- only by regional secretaries or regional governance velopment, coordination of NEC Policy sub-com- committees, and ANC caucuses. mittees, and monitoring and evaluation. n That we should strengthen the accountability to lo- 3. That the PI works closely with political education cal structures that have to account for and deal with to school our deployees and our structures in ANC the consequences of work we do in local govern- policy to strengthen implementation, our ability to ment. communicate and monitoring capacity at all levels. 4. That we explore legislation in Parliament for pub- licly funded political party institutes or foundations RESOLVES that enable parties to play an improved role in is- 1. In metros the REC governance committee directs sues of governance. and coordinates work in government and organisa- tion in the metro area. Outside metros, sub-regions coordinate work in municipal area. SELECTION PROCESS: 2. Sub-regions and municipalities: Regional governance PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVES committee and secretary playing stronger role in monitoring and directing ANC in local government. Noting Implement principle in constitution that Sub-regions n The need to deploy ANC cadres with the qualities should be developed to coordinate ANC work in a outlined in Through the eye of a Needle as MPs, municipal area and its governance committee should MPLs and councilors serve as a space for accountability between the coun- n That the confidence in our public representatives is cillors and the ANC structures serving the same peo- often undermined by their lack of capacity, values ple. The REC should be represented with MP/L on and ability to represent the people effectively and to the governance committee which should also include oversee the work of government the troika. An extended governance meeting can be n That selection of candidates is often influenced by held regularly with all councillors and representatives personal, business and other vested interests, rather from branches attending. than the qualities needed, or the support the person enjoys from the local community n People who are popular in the ANC rather than the PROVINCE community, often win our nomination process Recommending 1. Policy and monitoring coordinator in each prov- ince.

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2. Election and campaign coordinator in every prov- accommodate a losing candidate to fill a deputy or ince. other position. 5. The EC ensure that those contesting leadership po- PROCESS FOR ELECTIONS OF sitions declare their interests, including the amount ANC LEADERS AND MANAGING and sources of money for campaigning, in line with SUCCESSION ANC Finance Policies and Code of Ethics. Also deal with conflict of interest issues in candidate se- Noting lection of public office. n The need to elect leaders according to the princi- 6. The election of leadership in all structures must en- ples of service, track record, capacity, integrity, dis- sure continuity as well as renewal. cipline, honesty, trust-worthiness, and representivi- 7. The NEC must agree on a formula to cap the per- ty as outlined in the Eye of a Needle. centage of NEC members deployed in govern- n The current distortion of our election process ment. through factional practices like slates, vote-buying, 8. Nominations and elections should result in better patronage, intimidation, and exclusion that deny us representation for the motive forces and we should the best possible collectives of leaders. consider ways of achieving this n We need processes that deepen democracy and the 9. Agrees on the Youth League proposal for a quota trust that the people we serve have in ANC leaders (25-40%) in all leadership positions to be reserved n The fact that we are using an electoral college sys- for youth. tem that is easily manipulatable through influencing 10. Consideration should be given to extending the a core of influential people, like branch, regional provision for gender equity to the top officials po- and provincial secretaries, who manage the mem- sitions in all structures. bership and deployment system. This makes our democratic process vulnerable to corruption by 11. The NEC should manage the two centres of power business, internal factions and outside interests. after National Conference. n The lack of representation of motive forces among our leaders and the predominance of people de- ployed to government ON VETERANS LEAGUE AND COUNCIL OF ELDERS 1. The NEC to engage with the Veterans League on RESOLVES options with regards to its role. 1. To establish a permanent Election Commission (EC) in the ANC, that is not composed of elect- 2. The NEC to investigation the possibilities of the ed leadership, but should be made up of comrades establishment of a Council of Elders, consisting of with no direct interest or conflict of interest in eminent ANC leaders, including former senior offi- leadership positions, elected by the NEC, respon- cials (Presidents, SGs, etc) to advise and engage on sible for managing the nominations and election of challenges facing the Movement; and to maintain ANC leadership at all levels. the current role of the Veterans League and to re- port to NGC. 2. The tasks of such Electoral Commission should be to propose the rules and procedures for elections to the NEC, deal with disputes, screen candidates, or- der lifestyle audits if needed, and oversee the man- agement of the nomination and election process. PART B. Strengthening the Integrity of the ANC and its role in Society 3. Nominations processes should make slate nomina- tion impossible, by limiting the number of leaders SOCIAL DISTANCE: each branch can nominate for positions in NEC, PEC, REC (for example 20 for NEC out of 60 to Noting avoid block votes or nominations). n The perception that ANC leaders are becoming a 4. Slate voting should be outlawed and practices that political elite removed from the people and that our allow for unifying voting should be encouraged. movement no longer reflects the concerns and is- One is separating the vote for each official and sues of the motive forces announcement of result for each position, before n Our goal is to be truly representative of the peo- voting for the next one. This allows a conference to ple and this needs constant contact, humility, disci-

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pline, hard work, ubuntu, empathy and respect for n That our leadership election processes are becom- the people ing corrupted by vote buying and gatekeeping n That the state investigative and prosecutorial au- PROPOSALS thorities appear to be weakened and affected by factional battles, and unable to perform their func- 1. We must behave as servants of the people, not tions effectively bosses or celebrities. 2. We need to urgently close the gap between us and the people; strive to be a progressive presence in RESOLVES every community and sector that listens to the peo- That the 2015 NGC resolutions plus other existing and ple, works with them, responds to their concerns new measures are implemented urgently by the NEC and problems, respects all people, and builds organ- and PECs to: isations and campaigns of the people. 1. Strengthen our understanding of our values, ethics 3. We need to avoid VIP enclosures, holding rooms, and morality and the demands that the people, the bodyguards and fancy cars that separate us from constitution and the rule of laws place on us as the the people when we are going to meet them. guardians of the state, and its resources 4. All leaders and public reps of the ANC must spend 2. Demand that every cadre accused of, or reported at least two days a week (at all times not just elec- to be involved in, corrupt practices accounts to the tions) on grassroots and branch work in the com- Integrity Committee immediately or faces DC pro- munity. This should be done in consultation with cesses. (Powers of IC under constitutional changes) the branch or sub-regional/zonal structures. 3. Summarily suspend people who fail to give an ac- ceptable explanation or to voluntarily step down, while they face disciplinary, investigative or prose- ANC CREDIBILITY AND INTEGRITY: cutorial procedures. DEALING WITH CORRUPTION 4. We publicly disassociate ourselves from anyone, Noting whether business donor, supporter or member, ac- n An increase in corruption, factionalism, dishonesty, cused of corruption or reported to be involved in and other negative practices that seriously threaten corruption the goals and support of the ANC. 5. All ANC members and structures should cooper- n That these practices contradict and damage our ate with the law-enforcement agencies to criminally mission to serve the people and use the country’s prosecute anyone guilty of corruption resources to achieve development and transforma- 6. The ANC should respect the Constitution of the tion. country and the rule of law and ensure that we get n That corruption robs our people of billions that the best possible legal advice in government to en- could be used for their benefit. sure our compliance wherever possible, rather than waiting to defend those who stray. n That the lack of integrity perceived by the public, has seriously damaged the ANC image, the peo- 7. The ANC deployees to Cabinet, especially Finance, ple’s trust in the ANC, our ability to occupy the Police and Justice, should strengthen the state ca- moral high ground, and our position as leader of pacity to successfully investigate and prosecute cor- society. ruption and account for any failure to do so n That current leadership structures seem helpless to 8. Secretaries at all levels will be held accountable arrest these practices, either because they lack the for any failure to take action or refer matters of means or the will, or are themselves held hostage corruption or other negative conduct (in terms of by them. ANC code of conduct) to the relevant structures. n At times we do things that are not according to 9. Within the ANC nomination and election process: ANC or government policy, or not legal or consti- Ban all slates and enforce the ANC code of con- tutional, and wait for courts to correct our actions. duct and disciplinary procedures. Investigate and prosecute all cases of vote or support buying, or n Our association with, and the closeness of our membership or branch gatekeeping. leaders to, business people facing allegations of corruption. 10. Implement the NEC resolution on , including the expeditious establishment of a Judi- n That the ANC is endangered to the point of losing cial Commission of Enquiry. credibility in society and power in government.

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INTEGRITY COMMISSION 2 Its engagement in the battle of ideas and ideolog- ical struggle is therefore about winning hegemony 1. The establishment, composition, powers and func- for the integrity and progressiveness of our ideas, tions of the Integrity Commission should be pro- and how we conduct the revolution and ourselves vided for in the ANC Constitution, to be finalised as an organisation. as soon as possible by the NEC. 2. Consideration should be given to the two options: whether the decisions of the Integrity Commission 54th National Conference therefore resolves: should be binding or whether they should make recommendations to the NEC, thus advisory. ON SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY, ICT 3. 54th National Conference agreed that the Integrity AND COMMUNICATIONS Commission must report directly to the NEC and 1. The ANC should develop protocols aimed at guid- to National Conference and NGC. ing conduct on social media, and include miscon- duct related to social media to in our Code of Con- duct. ON DISCIPLINE 2. ANC must more effectively use technology, espe- 1. Introduce clear dispute resolution mechanisms to cially in our membership system, communications tackle organizational matters, to combat courts as and the Political school. the first resort for resolving conflicts and disputes. 2. Whilst ANC members have the right to take any ON CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS matter to court as South African citizens, this should be a last resort, after internal dispute resolu- 1. Salute all South Africans for honouring cde Oliver tion mechanisms have been exhausted. Reginald Tambo during 2017, the centenary cele- bration of his birth. 3. The relevant structures must investigate and act on allegations of gate-keeping, so that we restore the 2. Resolve to honour the memory of cde Nelson Ro- confidence of ANC members in the integrity of lihlahla Mandela and cde Nontsikelelo Albertina internal ANC processes and structures. Sisulu during the centenary celebrations of their births in 2018.

ON EX-COMBATANTS OTHER MATTERS FOR ATTENTION 1. Conferences noted the work started by the outgo- BY THE NEC ing NEC to investigate the issues relating to MKM- 1. The should urgently put in place measures to final- VA and the MK Council, and mandate the incom- ise the pending appeals and disbandment of struc- ing NEC to facilitate unity and inclusion of all MK ture raised by E Cape and N Cape structures. ex-combatants.

A SUSTAINED AND DELIBERATE PART C. On the Battle of Ideas PROGRAMME OF RENEWAL 1 As proposed in the Strategy and Tactics, the ANC 1. Mandates the NEC to drive a sustained programme must continue to engage, organise and mobilise all of Organisational renewal and report on such to sectors of society, in their great variety, dynamism the NGC. and ever-evolving nature around our common vi- sion of building a National Democrati Society.

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RESOLUTIONS

COMMUNICATIONS AND THE BATTLE OF IDEAS

Noting: 1.1.6 Media consolidation and hegemony in South Africa has meant that the larger media hous- 1.1 The ANC’s 54th National Conference takes place es – many of whose editorial positions on in a contested political, social and economic envi- government and the governing party are ronment characterised by, among other things: adversarial – predominate. Greater conver- 1.1.1 The contest of ideas in society takes place in gence has meant that these anti-ANC voices, various platforms and the media being one some of which overtly favour the political of them. At the centre of this contestation opposition, dominate not just one but multi- is the nature and character of the national ple platforms at any given time. democratic society we seek to build. 1.1.7 ANC infighting, disunity and use of media 1.1.2 While the ANC remains the dominant force to engage in battles is undermining trust in the public discourse informed by its char- and communicating an image of paralysis acter and role in society, we note that this is and projecting a movement that is at war increasingly being contested by an array of with itself. Challenges and divisions within forces. This explains why even political forc- the ANC and the broader mass democratic es that purport to be opposed to each other movement have created an opportunity for have seen a reason to form opportunistic al- exploitation by such opponents of the ANC. liances to dislodge the ANC from power. 1.1.8 Despite progress made by the organization 1.1.3 In the last few years we have witnessed the to spread the message of unity and disci- emergence of an increasing number of civ- pline, the media continues to capitalize on ic and social activism that is campaigning divisions and factionalism prevalent in the around contested ideas on governance and organization. decision making. Where some of the forces 1.1.9 While the battle of ideas happens in many have failed to win democratic elections they platforms, the media continues to be the have opted for the use of the judiciary to main dominant force in shaping debates and assert their own hegemony. setting an agenda in society. 1.1.4 The increasingly rapid uptake of social me- dia by many of our citizens, especially the youth, and its increased primacy as a plat- 2. On the Battle of Ideas form of choice for accessing and dissemi- nating information. Social media use is fast Noting: surpassing traditional media consumption in 2.1 That the battle of ideas is the struggle over ideas some countries around the world. themselves and a struggle for the progressive pro- 1.1.5 Increased inter-connectivity, whereby mul- duction and dissemination of ideas – including the tiple sources of information are consumed media, the educational and training system, the pol- on multiple devices. Given this, the ongoing icy apparatus within the state, and a wide range of Battle of Ideas has assumed global dimen- cultural and faith based institutions and practices. sions unprecedented since the advent of the The ANC struggle is about attaining political hege- modern media age. mony in society and, in this regard, within a heavily contested terrain.

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2.2 Further noting that the ideological onslaught against logically able to communicate ANC policies, princi- the ANC using all forms of media including broad- ples and values. casting, print, social media and the internet seeks to 2.9 That the ANC as a revolutionary movement must dislodge and undermine the character of the move- continue to mobilise and lead society around a com- ment. The onslaught replaces the NDR narrative mon vision that presents a credible political, social with the liberal democratic narrative and therefore and economic narrative that is in itself an alternative undermine the hegemony of the ANC in the battle to that of the dominant capitalist class. That is the of Ideas. Leadership and hegemony is not given or Battle of Ideas. static. We must fight for the values and principles of the ANC. 2.10 That the ANC interventions must be founded and informed by the Strategy and Tactics and Organi- 2.3 The ANC must operate in a coordinated and dis- sational Renewal. The Conference noted the need ciplined manner to set the agenda in the battle of to have a common understanding of the battle of ideas. The war of ideas must be fought like a real ideas, as the dialectical process, guided and under- war, therefore there must be a strict coordination pinned by the Freedom Charter and the National of content and messages between all structures of Democratic Revolution. We must offer a radical al- the organisation. The advent of the community and ternative to the existing social and economic order. public media space offers a potential, progressive opportunity for the ANC, depending on the ability 2.11 Recognizing the role, challenges and achievements to influence this media and provide it with adequate of the Department of Information and Publicity support. (DIP) over the years. The role of the Department of Information and Publicity is to coordinate and 2.4 Recognizing the need to articulate the ANC policy facilitate the engagement particularly with the me- positions in a manner that is consistent and coher- dia, i.e. all forms of media platforms. ent. The critical question becomes what is contained in the content. The credibility of any message lies in 2.12 All ANC Subcommittees and its Leagues must en- the credibility of the messenger. gage at all levels in a programme that is crafted to interact and engage with all society formations, 2.5 There is overwhelming consensus within the ANC such as religious institutions, labour, civil society, on the need to defend our ideas and ideals as a academics, youth formations, women formations, movement across all existing and emerging plat- and other influential organs of society, in order forms – with the understanding that the Battle of to communicate its policies, principles and values. Ideas should be located within the terrain of the This will create the nucleus of the message to be struggle. This starts with reaching a common under- communicated. standing within the ANC itself of what the Battle of Ideas entail. The hegemony of the ANC and the 2.13 Given that being a leader (either deployed or elect- democratic forces in the battle of ideas remains cen- ed) does not automatically mean you are capacitat- tral to the advancement of the national democratic ed to communicate the ANC message, all political revolution. communicators, including ANC communicators including top ANC officials, NEC members, 2.6 Further recognizing that social polarization is due Members of Parliament, Ministers, MECs and to the lack of radical change in the socio-economic MMCs must undergo political training on ANC conditions of the majority of South Africans result- political communication. Political school must be ing in the economy remaining in the hands of the institutionalized in order for the ANC to be hege- few. monic in the society. 2.14 Part of the problem of the ANC engaging prop- Therefore resolves: erly in the battle of ideas is the lack of an institu- 2.7 That there should be intensified training on polit- tional structure that produces coherent messaging ical communication as part of political education along the lines on one message and many voices. of ANC structures and deployed cadres; this train- 2.15 War rooms must be institutionalised and capaci- ing should help to mobilise the greatest number tated to undertake media monitoring and rapid of cadres to participate in public debates and to re- responses, capture the narratives and proactively spond effectively to the growing onslaught against respond to the communication challenges. The the ANC in all media platforms ANC must use podcasts and group emails for its 2.8 That the ANC must occupy the space, in order to communicators. be in hegemony, with ideologically clear ideas and 2.16 The ANC must communicate ANC decisions di- therefore lead society. ANC must go back to skilling rectly with its membership after meetings of its and producing cadres who are politically and ideo- structures. The machinery must complement its

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media statements, with contextual information sure coherent messaging. sent to its structures, to assist in striving for coher- 2.26 Existing coordination mechanisms such as the ence and coherent messaging. Briefing notes must Government Communicators Forum should be be produced and disseminated throughout the or- strengthened. There is a need to review the loca- ganisation. tion of the GCIS in the Presidency as a way to give 2.17 The National Conference noted progress made in it the necessary authority to oversee and coordi- developing Communication and Media Policy, in- nate government communications. cluding social media, to guide its cadres in public 2.27 Izimbizo concept needs to be strengthened to en- engagements and on how to maintain hegemony sure that it achieves its purpose that is unmediated in the battle of ideas, with utmost discipline and and direct communications with the people. More adherence to policy. The NEC must conclude the creative ways are needed to enable and achieve this. policy for implementation to guide the conduct of ANC structures and members. This policy once 2.28 The Conference reaffirmed that the ANC is the adopted must bind all ANC structures and mem- strategic centre of power and all deployed cadres bers. The policy must be finalized and communi- must be guided by this revolutionary understand- cated within 6 (six) month after the 54th National ing. Conference. 2.18 The ANC must develop strategies and creative ideas on communication platforms on how to 3. On ICT ideologically empower young cadres. 3.1 Noting that the 4th Industrial Revolution is driv- 2.19 In the political education programme, there must en by the increased use of and adaptation of be a module on communication, focusing on ANC ICT tools in all human activities. Technological political communication. developments have now made possible machine- to-machine (M2M) communications, robots and 2.20 The ANC cannot suppress voices of its mem- autonomous systems able to operate with or with- bers, instead it must train its leaders on political out human interventions in all spheres of human communication. ANC members’ rights to speak activity. The 4th Industrial Revolution is a focus must remain protected within the context of or- of attention, as it contains within it possibilities of ganisational discipline. The key is ensuring that disrupting current economic and social structures the organisation does the right thing, is represen- profoundly over the next 20 years. The task for tative of the people and therefore has its members South Africa is to plan effectively, position itself proudly associated with its actions and decisions. optimally and engage proactively with these rapidly The right to speak must be exercised in a respon- evolving technologies. sible manner. 3.2 The 4th Industrial Revolution disrupt the current 2.21 The ANC must speak a language that embodies practices and brings new opportunities, restruc- and unite all South Africans, as the leader of soci- tures other industries, has profound implications ety. for the jobs market, etc., and as such, there is a 2.22 PCO offices must be standardized, equipped and need to explore and maximize new opportunities utilized maximally. and invest in digital skills, improve Government efficiency to deliver services, ready Government 2.23 The ANC must use community and small com- for the 4th Industrial Revolution, create opportu- mercial media. nities for SMMEs, etc. 2.24 There is a need to empower Ward Committees and 3.3 The ICT sector has a significant and growing im- Community Development Workers (CDWs) with pact on the GDP and is part of the macro eco- communication skills, information and integrate nomic considerations as it provides opportunities their activities. for SA to get out of the current economic chal- 2.25 Government communications must be improved, lenges. Solutions must be practical given the huge coherent and centralized through GCIS. Govern- investments needed to rollout broadband and ment communicators, including Spokespersons prepare for the Internet of Things, in such a con- must comply with government policy on commu- strained economy. nications which should be finalized and approved 3.4 Many of the ICT sector challenges have been pre- within twelve months after the 54th National Con- viously raised. The high cost for South Africans ference. GCIS should play a central role in gov- of communication needs to be addressed through ernment communications and must be adequately policy and regulatory systems. In addition there is capacitated to achieve this. More emphasis should a need to increase the rollout of broadband infra- be placed on the coordination role of GCIS to en-

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structure especially in rural areas. The ICT sector 3.11 As part of rationalization of SoCs, consideration needs to be transformed at all levels. As previously must be made to implement the decision to merge stated, the rationalization of state owned compa- BBI and Sentech. This should be underpinned by nies is a priority. The biggest challenge of ANC the overall policy on SOC Reform to improve ser- deployees is to implement ANC resolutions and vice delivery and investment in infrastructure. policies with speed. 3.12 Ensure requisite skills (including policy making) in the SOCs, and the respective Departments charged Hereby Resolve that: to lead this sector. 3.5 The ANC must ensure the implementation of the 3.13 Digitizing, automating systems will assist in min- resolutions to support the Post Office, including imizing crime, coordinating information about that Government business must be availed to the citizens and Government services, integrating ed- Post Office through intergovernmental framework ucation system, Home Affairs, Justice Cluster, in- to maximize the use and value of the Post Office cluding digitising ANC membership management infrastructure to achieve its developmental man- system amongst others. date. The Post Office should continuously review 3.14 Public servants at all levels including Accounting its business models to cope with the changes aris- Authority, Accounting Officers, communication ing from the digital industrial revolution. heads, etc. must be capacitated with IT and digital 3.6 Private postal operators should also contribute to skills, as part of the preparation for the 4th Indus- universal service obligations. trial Revolution. 3.7 There must be a strong regulatory intervention to 3.15 Government should use ICT to address the com- deal with the question of the high cost to commu- munications needs of people with disabilities, use nicate and the ANC must support the campaign of Apps to address government needs and ser- for data to fall and the monopolization of data. vices, etc. This is regarded as stifling economic inclusion. 3.16 The ANC mandate government to establish the 3.8 The need to optimize ICT opportunities through 4th Industrial Revolution Commission and devel- the use SMMEs in ICT to drive the economy is op the relevant strategies and policies to respond critical. Resolve that government must put efforts to the new digitization needs. The Commission to ensure that SMME opportunities are created in should include all stakeholders in the economy. the whole ICT value chain, and further encourage 3.17 There is a need to strengthen organs of state in- black industrialists participation in the country. cluding ICASA to cope with the unprecedented There must be a deliberate legislative intervention changes due to the 4th Industrial revolution. to promote local content, production, hardware, and further create an enabling environment for 3.18 Government should consider the reconfiguration innovation in areas of software development, ap- of the existing Government departments to em- plications development in the black industrialists brace technological convergence. There is a need programme to ensure SMMEs development. to have provincial champions at provincial and dis- trict government level to drive this agenda. 3.9 Government must review the mandate of SITA to not only be procurer but enable local capacity 3.19 Targets for youth, women and blacks in the equi- production of software and hardware products, ty of service providers in the ICT industry must unbundle the value chain, etc. SITA should be be established as part of radical socio-economic transformed and repurposed to provide high qual- transformation. ity information technology services aligned to the 3.20 There is a need to strengthen capability for cyber- digital age. security to enhance protection of critical databas- 3.10 All children of South Africa must get equal oppor- es, systems and critical infrastructure resources, tunities in terms of infrastructure in all schools, if including protecting society against fake news, cy- we are to maximize the opportunities of the 4th bercrime, cyber-attacks and hacking etc. Industrial Revolution. Government should invest 3.21 Interventions must include strategies to ensure nationally in a paperless system based on digitized that SA content and websites become favorites and automation of systems. This should form countrywide. the basis of our policy commitment to introduce smart, paperless schools throughout the country in 3.22 Government must build capacity and strengthen line with Education Operation Phakisa in Educa- the Media & ICT SETA agency to play a critical tion which should be prioritized. role in SMME development including the youth with digital skills in preparation for the 4th Indus- trial Revolution.

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3.23 Education departments must change curriculum 4.2 ANC must invest in developing and producing the to prepare for the 4th Industrial Revolution. De- best cadres, win hegemony, trust and belief in the velopment of digital skills, reskilling, and target of society, in order for it to be the leader of society. new entrants in the labour market should deliber- 4.3 Government must be capacitated and restructured ately target rural areas and provinces in prepara- tion for the digital economy. in preparation for the 4th Industrial Revolution, in a manner that will optimize efforts to grab the 3.24 There must be priority and speed in the imple- opportunities. The 4th Industrial Revolution must mentation of the ICT White Paper to encourage be regarded as an economic catalyst. transformation, ensuring open access to critical spectrum resource usage, ensure the strong market 4.4 The local content industry development strategy competition and accelerate rapid deployment of should be introduced without delay alongside the electronic communications infrastructure and ser- review of the broadcasting policy and in line with vices including the roll-out of the Wireless Open the digital broadcasting plan. Access Network. 4.5 The SABC needs rebranding and turnaround to 3.25 In preparation for and to enable the 4th Industrial ensure that focus is on content and less on gover- Revolution, government should establish special- nance issues and challenges. The SABC should pri- ized ICT institutions of higher education, and the marily focus on cultural identity and development use of specialized TVETS for the massification of as a repository of our heritage and identity. e-skills. There must also be a consideration of the 4.6 Language is important in enhancing and ensuring model of dedicated University on ICT, data, inno- effective communication, with emphasis on sup- vations and new innovations, to promote creativity, porting indigenous languages. Language used in innovation and ready the country for the 4th In- the public media especially the SABC should be dustrial Revolution in line with the 53rd National accessible. Conference Resolutions. 4.7 Digital broadcasting migration programme re- 3.26 The Postbank must be licensed and capacitated to mains a priority in the country. The success of this play meaningful role in providing banking services initiative will depend on inter alia the availability before the end of term of office of the current of new content that appeals to the broader South Government administration. African viewership, and the uptake of STBs and 3.27 The ANC must further encourage efforts by Gov- Integrated Digital Television sets by the non-sub- ernment and the private sector to deploy broad- sidised households. Government should therefore band infrastructure and services and also ensure continue to mobilize all role players and the gener- accessibility of free Wi-Fi as part of the develop- al public to participate in this endeavour as it also ment of economic inclusion. Free Wi-Fi must also brings other social and economic benefits. be provided in rural areas as well as Metros and in all public schools, clinics, libraries, etc. 4.8 Digital migration switchover should be completed by June 2019. The completion of this programme 3.28 Strategies must be developed to derive benefits will also enable the freeing of the critical radio fre- from the opportunities including through taxes, quency spectrum needed for the rollout of broad- incentives, etc. Approach to ICT policy should lo- band. cate the sector within the broader economic policy context thereby positioning it to drive the restruc- 4.9 The advent of digital broadcasting technologies turing of the SA economy. that allow multichannel platforms should also ensure the representation in all languages. 3.29 Policies and strategies must ensure asymmetrical regulation of telecommunications services to ad- 4.10 DTT presents an opportunity for the SABC to in- dress existing dominance in the mobile telecom- troduce multichannel programming to ensure its munications industry, fair and open competition, viability as a broadcaster of choice and this could and the growth of SMMEs and MVNOs. ensure that Parliamentary channel, community TV could be on the SABC’s platform. SABC must be positioned as a content provider of choice, protect 4. On Broadcasting and be a repository of our cultural identity, etc. Hereby Resolve that: 4.11 A TV channel to broadcast parliamentary news, 4.1 The strategic ownership of media assets is im- e-government, and other local content informa- portant but must be understood in the context tion addressing development must be established. of viewership and listenership. Sustainability of The channel should be interactive to enable public broadcasting services is a challenge and need to be participation in the unfolding discourse on various taken into consideration. topical issues.

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4.12 Broadcasting policy review should be conclud- 4.24 Small businesses owned by young people should ed without delay, and should apply to the entire be licensed to provide ICT and broadcasting ser- broadcasting landscape and not just the SABC & vices taking advantage of new innovations such as should be underpinned by the desire to create a Over the Top and Internet broadcasting. diverse broadcasting landscape. Policy should aim to attain over 70% local content quotas within five 4.25 Cyber Security policy should also protect broad- years from the 54th National Conference. casting services. 4.13 DTT should also include skills development and 4.26 The local broadcasting industry should also focus/ capacity building throughout the value chain, con- prioritise content from the African continent. sistent with the Broadcasting Digital Migration 4.27 Television signal should be improved especially policy and other aspects of the DTT programme. along the geographic marginal areas and borders 4.14 Digital disruptions affect the media industry of our country enabled through digital broadcast throughout the value chain hence the need for an transmission. economy-wide strategy on the impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution. 4.15 ANC must through government policy and com- 5. On Media Transformation, petition interventions ensure a fair, regulated sub- media diversity and scription broadcasting television addressing mar- accountability mechanisms ket competition issues. Hereby Resolve that: 4.16 The ANC must ensure that policy and regulatory interventions are strengthened in order to address 5.1 ANC policy promotes media diversity to ensure the existing monopoly in the pay television market. media transformation thereby gaining plurality of views in society, and therefore is against domi- 4.17 Support for community broadcasting must be im- nance. proved and strengthened. This must also include increase in funding for Media Development and 5.2 There has been some changes in the sector post Diversity Agency (MDDA) to address signal distri- the 53rd National Conference, including changes bution and other challenges in both radio and tele- of ownership in print, the introduction of the New vision services. Other innovative measures should Age, the new ownership of Independent Newspa- be considered to ensure the sustainability and via- pers by Sekunjalo, birth of the Community News- bility of this important sector. paper Initiative (CNI), growth of the Association of Independent Publishers, birth of Association 4.18 There must be more efforts on investing in re- of Black Communications Practitioners, birth of search & development and innovation. Forum for Journalists Transformation, numer- 4.19 As part of the efforts to increase the uptake and ous licenses awarded (subscription, commercial usage of ICTs, there must be active action driven radio in the Free State and Eastern Cape as well to foster partnership with institutions of higher as in cities, community radio and TV), Press Free- learning and to also encourage universities to spe- dom Commission (PFC), Digital and Print Media cialize in skills in digital technologies. Transformation Task Team (PDMTTT), reviewed 4.20 There is a need to redefine and clarify the role of Press Council and Press Code, withdrawal of In- the different SOCs in the context of the digital dependent Newspaper from the Press Ombuds- age, namely: NEMISA, USAASA, MDDA, and man, closure of the Print and Digital Media SA rationalize their mandate. This should be done (PMSA), etc. within the context of the SOC Reform and should 5.3 There exist a number of community and small include the regulatory institutions such as .ZDNA commercial print media, who all face the challenge and the Film and Publications Board. of sustainability. The acquisition of small estab- 4.21 Government must support the development of lished titles/small commercial media by the big digital radio and this should be understood in the players work against the policy of media diversity context of the need to support the rollout of di- as espoused by the ANC and warrant further con- verse, affordable broadcasting receivers. sideration. 4.22 SEZs should be used as manufacturing centers 5.4 Government (under DoC) held the Print and Dig- for ICT and broadcasting devices, gadgets such as ital Media Transformation Summit and a Discus- IDTV. sion Document has been developed and will fol- 4.23 Internet radio and Internet TV should also receive low the public inquiry through Parliament on the attention as part of the framework to regulate measures and steps needed to ensure media trans- OTTs (Over-The-Top). formation.

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5.5 There is a need to review the ANC Media Charter pecially in light of digitization which needs to be and conduct a Parliamentary inquiry on the desir- transformed as it is currently dominated by inter- ability and feasibility of a media appeals tribunal. national companies, is important. 5.6 The review should include the Press Freedom 5.12 The ANC must support community and small Commission (PFC) recommendations in the Par- commercial media including efforts to prevent the liamentary processes. take-over of community newspapers by the big companies, thereby increasing media diversity. 5.7 The empowerment charter should promote Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment in the print 5.13 In line with the previous resolutions, government media sector, and strengthen the Media Develop- should use its advertising spend to advance diver- ment and Diversity Agency (MDDA) to support sity. Government advertising to community and community and commercial entities towards more small commercial media must be increased in line diversity with the 30% set aside provisions. The 30% of media buying from community media needs to be 5.8 The Competition Commission to investigate all implemented without delay. possible anti-competitive practices in the print and commercial media. In addition the Competi- 5.14 Print media empowerment charter must be devel- tion Commission should investigate the barriers oped to drive media development, transformation to market access by small and medium enterpris- and diversity, informed by the radical socio-eco- es. There is a need to enhance the sanctions that nomic transformation approach. Print media own- can be imposed by the Competition Commission ership remains highly racialised & this calls for through the review of applicable laws. transformation throughout the value chain. Print media will remain even in the digital environment 5.9 To prioritise transformation of the advertising in- & thus transformation should remain a priority. dustry. There is a thin line between media ownership and 5.10 Media transformation must include ownership control thus we need a holistic approach to trans- and control, racism in the media and progressive formation. The ANC must appreciate that having ideas. The transformation of the advertising in- black editors does not mean transformation. dustry through the implementation of the Adver- 5.15 An enabling environment must be created for tising Charter must form part and parcel of media SMMEs to encourage innovation and creativity transformation. in order to position our country for the Fourth 5.11 The utilisation of outdoor media and billboards Industrial Revolution and to create necessary and platforms must be explored. Outdoor media, es- relevant jobs.

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RESOLUTIONS

ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

1. The Conference considered and endorsed a num- control and in the weaknesses of the SMME and ber of recommendations from the National Policy cooperatives sector. Conference and Provincial General Councils, and 7. There has been slow progress in building a develop- agreed to the following resolution on radical so- mental state that has the capacity and capability to cio-economic transformation. mobilise society and direct resources towards devel- opmental goals. Noting that: 2. The ANC’s vision for the South African economy Reaffirming: is guided by the Freedom Charter’s clarion call that the people shall share in the country’s wealth. The 8. The 53rd National Conference in Mangaung char- ANC is committed to building a more equal society, acterisation of the current phase of the National in which all can find decent work and enjoy a sus- Democratic Revolution as the second phase of our tainable livelihood. ongoing transition from colonialism and apartheid to a National Democratic Society. 3. Since the 1994 democratic breakthrough, significant progress has been made in meeting the basic needs 9. The ANC’s adoption in Mangaung of the Nation- of the people. This progress has found practical al Development Plan (NDP) as our guiding pro- expression in, among others, increased protection gramme for accelerated and radical socio-econom- for workers, the expansion of the black middle stra- ic transformation in South Africa, with the aim of ta, the extension of the social security net, and the achieving shared prosperity for all the people. expanded provision of social and economic infra- 10. In addition to adopting the NDP, the focal areas of structure. the Mangaung’s economic transformation resolu- 4. Current factors such as persistent low levels of tion are as follows: economic growth, rising national debt, some weak- n Placing emphasis on mineral beneficiation; nesses of state owned companies, low levels of n business and consumer confidence, low investment Support for women and youth owned small levels, credit rating downgrades, policy inconsisten- business and cooperatives; cies and public and private sector corruption have n The establishment of a State Bank; limited the ANC-led government’s ability to drive n Rural development and land reform, and socio-economic transformation and address South Africa’s triple challenge of inequality, poverty and n Supportive macro-economic framework. unemployment. Believing that: Further noting that: 11. Within the context of radical socio-economic trans- 5. Despite the economic advances of the past 23 years formation, the ANC’s strategic relationship with pri- of freedom and democracy, the legacy of colonial- vate capital is one of cooperation and contestation. ism and apartheid is still deeply entrenched in our This requires, among others, that the state must ac- society and in the structure of the South African tively seek partnerships with the private sector and economy. provide leadership to guide the country towards its developmental goals. 6. This legacy expresses itself in racialised patterns of poverty, inequality and unemployment, in land and 12. In order to revive South Africa’s economy, sectoral spatial disparities, in infrastructure and service back- growth plans must be developed for industry, agri- logs, in concentrated structures of ownership and culture, mining, construction and services. There

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must also be programmes to ensure increased in- ventions should focus on government-owned land vestment in infrastructure, expanded research and and should also be guided by the ANC’s Ready to development and a rapid improvement in education Govern policy document which prioritised the re- and training in order to equip the people to partic- distribution of vacant, unused and under-utilised ipate fully in the global economy’s ongoing fourth state land, as well as land held for speculation and industrial revolution. hopelessly indebted land. 18. The accelerated programme of land reform must be Conference therefore resolved: done in an orderly manner. Strong action must be taken against those who occupy land unlawfully. On reigniting growth 19. The programme of land reform must have clear tar- 13. South Africa must act urgently to reignite economic gets and timeframes, be guided by sound legal and growth. Active steps to achieve accelerated econom- economic principles, and must contribute to the ic growth include: country’s overall job creation and investment objec- tives. n Uniting government, labour, business and com- munities in an investment pact; 20. In addition it was resolved to: a) Ensure active measures be put in place to drive n Isolating and rooting out corrupt elements in land redistribution, such as a land tax, support the public and private sectors; for black farmers and preferential allocation of n Stabilising the governance and finances of State water rights and infrastructure provisions to Owned Companies (SOC) and ensuring that black farmers. SOC’s play a developmental role; b) Ensure effective programmes to increase train- n Ensuring a measured and balanced path of ing and support measures that will ensure the macroeconomic management; success of beneficiaries of land reform. c) Ensure land reform enhances food security for n Working to avoid further downgrades to South poor families and maintain food security for Africa’s credit rating and regain an investment South Africa as a whole. grade; d) Empower local governments to effectively ad- n Regulating uncompetitive structures and con- vance land reform in their areas both for agri- duct in the economy; and cultural and other purposes. n Reviewing and recalibrating the NDP regularly e) Accelerate the rolling out of title deeds to black in order to ensure improved implementation. South Africans in order to guarantee their secu- rity of tenure and to provide them with instru- ments of financial collateral. On Land Redistribution f) Democratize control and administration of ar- 14. We must pursue with greater determination the pro- eas under communal land tenure. gramme of land reform and rural development as 21. It was further resolved that the expropriation legis- part of the programme of radical socio-economic lation currently in process should be finalised and transformation. that an ETC workshop on land reform would be 15. Expropriation of land without compensation held to develop a detailed ANC approach to accel- should be among the key mechanisms available to erated land reform and to allow for a report back on government to give effect to land reform and redis- the land audit that has been undertaken by govern- tribution. ment. 16. In determining the mechanisms of implementation, we must ensure that we do not undermine future On State Owned Companies investment in the economy, or damage agricultural 22. The main purpose of SOC’s is to operationalise the production and food security. Furthermore, our in- broad socio-economic development plans of gov- terventions must not cause harm to other sectors of ernment. the economy. 23. Firm action is required to improve the governance 17. The ANC’s approach to land reform must be based and performance of SOC’s by ensuring the appoint- on three elements: increased security of tenure, land ment of skilled staff and qualified board members restitution and land redistribution. Concrete inter- and protecting public institutions from improper in- ventions are required to improve the functioning terference. of all three elements of land reform. These inter-

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On Labour Market and Executive Pay Sector Transformation Summit should provide a 24. The gap between incomes of executives compared clear framework for the acceleration and deepening to workers remains very high. The wage gap has of transformation in this sector. continued to deepen. This should be addressed as 32. The use of state banks to promote economic devel- a matter of national priority, through a national opment must be stepped up. The Postbank should incomes policy, underpinned by legislation where be registered as a bank as a matter of urgency. The necessary. NEC must receive reports at each sitting on prog- 25. The livelihoods of the poor, their employment op- ress in this regard. portunities, prospects for employment; and their 33. Development finance institutions and state banks capacity to roll back poverty and destitution should should give greater emphasis to employment cre- be prioritized. This principle includes the orienta- ation, empowerment, industrial diversification and tion of the macroeconomic policy so that econom- development, small businesses and cooperatives, ic growth takes place within an overarching strategy small-scale agriculture, micro-enterprises and local of job creation. We will strive to create employment and regional economic development. that delivers fair incomes and social protection for 34. Development finance institutions’ mandates should workers and their families. include the development of black-owned compa- 26. The national minimum wage must be implemented nies. Public finance institutions must be given clear as a matter of urgency as the new minimum wage developmental mandates. regime will impact positively on the lives of many low paid workers. On economic concentration 35. The high levels of concentration of ownership in On the South African Reserve Bank many sectors of our economy is dysfunctional to 27. Reaffirm the resolution of the 53rd National Con- growth, entry of black South Africans in the econo- ference Resolution on the mandate of the South my and effective competition. African Reserve Bank which states: “South Africa requires a flexible monetary policy regime, aligned with 36. Conference calls for effective measures that expand the objectives of the second phase of transition. With- the mandate of the competition authorities to iden- out sacrificing price stability, monetary policy should tify high levels of concentration and to have the also take account of other objectives such as employment powers to act to de-concentrate levels of ownership, creation and economic growth.” in order to open the market to new, black-owned companies. 28. The South African Reserve Bank is the central bank 37. The penalties for uncompetitive behavior must be of the Republic. It performs its functions inde- increased. pendently, but in regular consultation with the Min- ister of Finance. The right to issue paper money, 38. The Competition Commission needs to be set interest rates and regulate the financial system strengthened with additional resources to build on resides wholly with the Reserve Bank. its current capabilities. 29. It is, however, a historical anomaly that there are private shareholders of the Reserve Bank. Con- ference resolves that the Reserve Bank should be On investment and allocation 100% owned by the state. of resources 30. Government must develop a proposal to ensure full 39. Government should introduce measures to ensure public ownership in a manner that does not benefit adequate financial resources are directed -to de private shareholder speculators. velopmental purposes. A new prescribed asset re- quirement should be investigated to ensure that a portion of all financial institutions funds be invest- ed in public infrastructure, skills development and On the Financial Sector job-creation. Transformation, State Bank and DFIs 40. A Sovereign Wealth Fund should be set up to en- 31. The state must develop a more effective programme sure that the free-carry shares in mining and other to ensure access to, and ownership of, financial in- resource sectors be retained by the state, acting as stitutions by black people, youth and women. This the custodian of the people as a whole. should include new approaches to regulation and licensing that fosters competition and enables di- versified ownership. The forthcoming Financial

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On strengthening Broad-Based Black goal of increasing tourism activity with the security Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) of tourists and the visa policies of the country. 41. State procurement should be used as an empower- ment lever. On the skills revolution 42. The PPPFA should be significantly amended to ful- 52. The challenges of new technology and the 4th in- ly realize all objectives set out in s217 of the Consti- dustrial revolution require a revolutionary approach tution. Set asides must be further strengthened so to training and skills development. that they work more effectively in promoting black businesses. 53. Initiatives that accelerate the placement of youth in employment opportunities that generate skills and 43. Government should intensify the use of state con- experience should be intensified. cessions as a policy tool for economic development and transformation, including in minerals, petro- leum, fishing, spectrum, land, water, energy, etc. On improving the industrial and eco- 44. A worker empowerment component should be nomic impact of public expenditure introduced in the policy framework to massify share-ownership among workers and to provide 54. Infrastructure spending remains a lever through for worker representatives sitting on the boards of which industrial development and economic companies. growth can be sustained. 55. The infrastructure programme should actively sup- port youth employment, localisation, black indus- On manufacturing, creative trialists and other developmental goals. industries and tourism 56. Procurement institutions must be strengthened to 45. Manufacturing continues to be a major sector of ensure a close monitoring of adherence to revised South Africa’s economy, providing a significant base preferential procurement regulations. for skilled employment opportunities. Through its 57. The most potent way to build and strengthen back- Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP), government ward and forward industrial linkages in our econo- seeks to transform the structure of South Africa’s my is through local procurement. This will improve manufacturing base through creating new levels of our trade balance and ensure that fiscal policy has dynamism and competitiveness in the sector. an increased multiplier impact on economic growth, 46. A renewed emphasis must be placed on localisation, employment and long term development. particularly linked to infrastructure projects and to procurement by government and state-owned com- panies. On beneficiation and building high 47. There must be increased designation of products value-added value-chains that are locally produced to facilitate an expanded 58. New measures to inwardly orient those compo- buy local campaign. nents of mining and upstream production such as 48. The black industrialist programme should be petrochemicals and basic iron and steel, which are strengthened and support programmes should be crucial for metals fabrication, capital goods produc- developed for other sectors. tion especially engineering activities, need to be put in place in support of a coherent strategy of indus- 49. Conference recognised the potential of the creative trial development based on raw minerals beneficia- industries as a socially transformative sector that tion. provides jobs, drives economic growth, innovation and allows many young people to make a living 59. The state should apply export taxes to strategic from their talent. minerals where required to ensure local beneficia- 50. Conference resolved that the ANC must upscale tion. interventions to support the creative industries. We 60. Encourage recycling, especially of metals and other must ensure the protection of artists, including the products such as plastics, rubber and paper. This development of a strategy to promote trade, fight will require that we promote the local re-cycling in- piracy and map the value chains of this sector. dustry, especially metals re-cycling in order to sig- 51. Advancing transformation in the tourism sector nificantly reduce energy consumption in the pro- is paramount. The popularity of South Africa as cess of metals production and fabrication. In this a tourist location highlights the need for more connection, we should continue to limit the export streamlined support, including alignment of the of scrap metal.

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On small businesses and Africa’s Oceans Economy. Priority interventions co-operatives must include: 61 Government measures to support small business a. Finalising the fishing quotas and ensure they and cooperatives need to be scaled up to ensure are given effect to immediately. their impact is felt across the economy. The stimu- b. Development of a marine-policy that ensures lation and protection of township-based economic the use of South African ships as part of our activities is also important in this regard. trade with the rest of the world. 62. Youth employment must be prioritised, including 69. Similarly interventions must be put in place to fully through effective public employment programmes, utilise the potential of South Africa’s forestry sector internships, job placement, youth set-asides, pro- to drive empowerment, transformation, economic curement from youth-owned enterprises and youth growth and decent work. entrepreneurship programmes. 63. Effective use and resourcing of the National Youth Development Agency is important as it offers sup- Taxation port services to young people, especially those in 70. The state must develop a proposal for an appropri- rural areas and in working class urban communities. ately structured wealth tax, possibly linked to the Youth support must be incorporated as one of the land tax, to promote equity and raise revenues. areas in the scorecards for firms from which gov- ernment procures goods and services. 71. In the current economic climate, there should be a review of the proposed sugary beverages tax with particular emphasis on the potential impact on em- ployment relative to the health benefits On Mining 72. Government must urgently crack down on tax 64 There was support for the overall objectives of avoidance and illicit capital outflows. the newly promulgated Mining Charter, but it was agreed that further discussion is required with min- 73. In order to make available critical inputs for down- ing industry in order to ensure investment and em- stream industries, we must consider instituting ex- ployment levels are not negatively affected. port tariffs as an important tool for promoting local beneficiation. 65. Beyond a narrow focus on individuals, increased ownership targets in the mining sector should pri- marily benefit the state, community and employee ownership. In particular, free-carry shares should On improved implementation, moni- be held in trust by the state rather than allocated to toring, accountability and evaluation a few individuals. 74. Conference reaffirmed the need to strengthen the 66. The well-being of near mine communities and developmental state in order to ensure seamless mine safety and rehabilitation are also all priority implementation for radical socio-economic trans- factors. formation. The capacity of the state is a macroeco- nomic issue because it influences the behaviour of 67. In line with the Mangaung Conference resolu- the economy as a whole. tions, the State Owned mining company must be strengthened, so that it can play a significant role in 75. With this in mind, Conference resolved to af- the mining sector. firm the NEC decision to create an accountability framework to ensure that deployed comrades at all levels are held accountable to the implementation of ANC policies. On the oceans economy and forestry 68. The ANC must ensure expanded participation in the entire value and supply chain linked to South

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RESOLUTIONS

EDUCATION, HEALTH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

ANC Policy cycle n The ANC’s commitment to transformative Science Technology and Innovation (STI) policy expressed Noting that: in resolutions adopted at different conferences. n The ANC policy cycle is five (5) years; and that n That the Department of Science and Technology n The ANC would benefit and be relieved of the bur- (DST) is developing a new White Paper on Science, den of unnecessary and frequent policy changes if Technology and Innovation. it were to be accorded enough time to implement, monitor and evaluate policy. Therefore resolve that: n The decision to increase investment in Research Therefore resolve that: and Development (R&D) to 1.5% of GDP by 2019 n The policy cycle should be at least ten (10) years must be implemented. with a five yearly review. n Grassroots and social innovation must be encour- n The ANC increase its policy, monitoring and evalu- aged in order to develop innovative products, ser- ation capacity. vices and technologies. n The ANC must ensure that there are Subcommit- n Prioritise learners with disability for science and tees on Education and Science and Technology and technology training. Health at branch level. n Science literacy programmes should include a focus on village and township communities; and the cre- ation of Wi-Fi spots in rural areas. National Development Plan 2030 n The ANC must ensure that government develops n The ANC must ensure that professions in science five year and annual implementation plans based on and technology are careers of choice and that public the NDP to facilitate monitoring and evaluation of education institutions are resourced to advance this progress. ideal. n All sectors must account on progress being made in using science, technology and innovation; working SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY with institutions such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Noting: The decision of the ANC 53rd National Further resolve to: Conference n Invest in the digital economy as it has the potential to create new jobs in the context of the 4th Indus- n That investment in Research, Development and In- trial Revolution. novation must be 1.5% of GDP by 2019 with 5% accepted as the ideal for the country. n Link innovation and entrepreneurship with higher education and training to assist students who are in- n That the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision novative. 2030 states that science, technology and innovation must play an increasing role in skills development, n Embark on effective programmes to accelerate the job creation and economic growth. beneficiation of minerals.

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On the use and increase of uptake of locally munities, sometimes as a result of historical depriva- produced technologies tion from access to the sciences; Noting: n That there is a need to expose children and commu- n That technological innovations developed in South nities to science, technology and innovation. Africa have difficulty in becoming recognised and commercially viable due to limited visibility and sup- Therefore resolve that: port from public and private procurement; n Policies be adopted to promote the recognition of the prevalence of STI in daily life and that this serve Therefore resolve that: to encourage learners in schools, students at col- n Government, labour and business encouraged or leges and universities and workers in every sector to directed to use and increase their uptake of locally invent new technologies and products by analysing produced technologies. and learning from those imported and used daily in their lives. n Public engagement on and promotion of science, On the coordination and harmonisation of technology and innovation be intensified. policies and incentives related to STI n The ANC leads society to think more positively Noting: about ourselves and our innovation capabilities; and n That there are a range of policies, incentives, and publicises advances that have been made by South initiatives sponsored by various government depart- African scientists and innovators. ments in support of STI and that these are not al- ways well coordinated, resulting in these achieving less impact than desired; EDUCATION Therefore resolve that: Noting that: n The ANC ensures that a focused process is set up between government departments to coordinate n We reaffirm that education remains an apex priori- and harmonise policies and incentives, especially ty for the African National Congress and the ANC those related to STI, to encourage and support in- government. novation. n Education is an organising and coordinating body providing skills for the country. On the use of STI within and across the n We continue to implement policies and programmes public sector as an enabler of service delivery of the ANC as adopted in previous conferences and elaborated in resolutions contained in our docu- Noting: ments. n That the take up and utilisation of STI by the public n The various legislation, policies and programmes sector is not always recognised as providing possible of the Departments of Basic Education as well as solutions to improved delivery of services to com- Higher Education and Training, which are intended munities by provinces and local government; to give effect to and achieve the vision and goals of the ANC in relation to an integrated education and Therefore resolve that: training system, embody and articulate the ideals of n A coordinating mechanism be established and im- the Freedom Charter, ANC policies, and the Consti- plemented to improve the use of STI within and tution of the Republic of South Africa. across the public sector. n STI be used to improve interventions at local and provincial government levels so as to enable and ac- BASIC EDUCATION celerate service delivery. Further noting: n Progress that has been made in providing scholar transport and the ongoing need for such services. On the promotion of new innovations and invention of new technologies n Existing challenges of inequity between rural and urban schools; Noting: n That some schools in rural areas still face the chal- n That, although people experience and make use of lenge of lack of basic services. STI in their daily lives, this wide spread acceptance and usage of STI is often not realised by our com- n The need to digitalise learning and teaching support material.

36 REPORT OF THE 54TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE n The welcome expansion of vocational, technical optimise Early Childhood development. Further- and occupational education in schools. more, particular attention should be given to chil- dren with special needs, for example autism. n That education facilities are increasingly targeted for vandalism and destruction during public unrests. n The ANC must deal decisively with challenges of inequity between rural and urban education by en- n That the lack of electricity, libraries and laboratories suring that there is adequate resourcing of village diminishes the capacity of schools to offer science and township schools through the provision of and technology. quality, efficient, innovative, and inclusive education Therefore resolve that: and training programmes and solutions. Incen- tives, through which teachers can be attracted and n The Basic Education sector working with the High- retained in rural and farm communities, must be ex- er Education and Training sector and the Treasury plored and sustainably implemented and monitored. must by the end of this term ensure that a compre- hensive review of the education and training system n The ANC sets aside the resolution of the 52nd Na- has been conducted to ensure that it is relevant and tional Conference on making education an essential responds to the demands and imperatives of the service. Furthermore the ANC and its alliance part- radical socio-economic transformation and the 4th ners must work together to ensure joint responsi- Industrial Revolution by preparing young people bility for the maintenance and sustaining of good for life, higher education and training programmes; labour relations within the Basic education sector, technical, vocational and occupational skills; and the and the reduction of conflicts which may lead to world of work. This includes preparation for post- labour unrest, loss of teaching and learning time, school education. and damage to property and educational resources. n Having achieved commendable targets pertaining n The ANC must put in place a legislative framework to access, redress and equity, the ANC must further to guide in addressing executive, management and ensure that there is strategic alignment and reposi- administrative lapses in the system, which result in tioning of the basic education sector by prioritising interventions in terms of section 100 of the Consti- policies and strategies targeting the achievement of tution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. quality teaching and learning outcomes, enhancing n The ANC directs the Departments of Basic Edu- the skills and competencies of educators, including cation, Arts and Culture, as well as Sport and Rec- the school management team comprising the school reation to develop, implement and monitor trans- principal, deputy principal, and subject heads; and formed, strategic and sustainable recreational sport, enhancing accountability systems to ensure the arts and culture programmes which are intended achievement of quality outcomes and the efficiency to promote the democratic values of Ubuntu and in the basic education sector. social cohesion among South African schools and n Steps should be taken to implement operation learners. Phakisa in Education decisions on the use of In- formation Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Further resolve that: schools. n The findings of Presidential Commission on remu- neration in the Public service and Administration n The ANC should lead society in protecting public must be released in the first half of 2018. facilities such as schools, libraries, colleges, universi- ties, hospitals and clinics; and in ensuring that active n Intensify and prioritise programmes to improve lit- steps are taken to prevent vandalism and to protect eracy and numeracy of all learners. all public properties. n Expand the establishment and use of boarding n The ANC must direct government and its relevant schools in order to further improve the quality of clusters to work together in developing strategic learning and teaching. programmes and skills and education interventions n Technical schools must be made schools of excel- geared towards young people who are not in em- lence focusing on specific disciplines and skill sets; ployment, nor in education and training (NEETs). and that the ANC develops a policy on schools that n The ANC must ensure that there is systematic re- will provide for a focus on talent development, e.g. location of the responsibility for Early Childhood development or establishment of public schools for Development (ECD) from the Department of So- talented or specially gifted learners. cial Development to the Department of Basic Ed- n The ANC adopt a policy to introduce a minimum ucation. of three (3) languages into the curriculum in schools n The Departments of Social Development, Basic each must include at least one African language. Education, and Health should coordinate efforts to

37 REPORT OF THE 54TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE n The ANC consider the feasibility of establishing a n There are uncapped rental rates and severe shortage single and inclusive examination board for the entire of student residences for students from poor and school system. working families, particularly those in historically disadvantaged institutions; n ANC branches must submit an audit of mobile schools and clinics that need to be replaced with n Since 1994, as shown by the transforming demo- permanent structures to the incoming ANC NEC graphic profile of students, the ANC government Subcommittee for follow-up and intervention. has made significant strides in widening participa- tion in higher education for youth from African n The sector accelerates the programme of resourc- households and communities; ing of schools, particularly the provision of labora- tories and libraries in village and township schools. n The need to conclude a model for providing fee-free higher education for the poor and working class. n All Provincial Departments of Education adopt and implement the Second Chance Opportunity Pro- Therefore resolve that: gramme for matriculants. n We reaffirm that education remains an apex priori- ty of Government’s pro-poor policies and that it is HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING a central pillar of our fight against the triple chal- lenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment as Funding for the higher education and training outlined in the National Development Plan Vision system, especially the college sector, and for 2030 and that failure to accelerate inclusive access to students in the sector higher education and training directly threatens the achievement of this key objective. Noting: n n The Provision of free and quality higher education The ANC must continue to strengthen measures and training for poor and working class students un- that will improve access to higher education with til undergraduate degree is a standing and binding the ultimate goal of achieving free higher education resolution of both the ANC 52nd and 53rd Nation- for the poor and “missing middle”. This should not al Conferences; be limited to the role that NFSAS plays but should also include the role of the private sector in this re- n There must be progressive introduction of free edu- gard. cation for the poor and subsidised education for the working class and “missing middle” subject to the n In line with the resolutions of the ANC 52nd and availability of resources. 53rd National Conferences, the ANC government accelerates the implementation of a new financial n The ANC has made huge strides towards provid- support model to ensure that academically capable, ing fee-free higher education to all undergraduate poor, working class and middle strata students are level students from poor families through massive supported to access higher education, and receive increases in funding; fully subsidised free higher education and training n The release of the report of the Presidential Com- by 2018, subject to availability of funds. mission into the Feasibility of Fee-Free Higher Ed- n Steps should be taken to expand the TVET and ucation and Training in South Africa. Community College sector and to ensure that it is n That the higher education and training system, espe- adequately funded. cially the college sector, is hugely underfunded. n The programmes of TVET colleges must respond n A newly structured student centred model and cen- to skills needs and unemployment. tral applications process to access financial aid has n been implemented across the university and TVET TVET colleges must foster partnerships with uni- college systems; versities of technology and various industries for work experience for both lecturers and students. n A full review of the NSFAS Act and Regulations is underway, and that this will redefine the NSFAS’s n The provision of digital programmes must be ex- definition of “poor and working class students; panded. n A proposed model has been developed and is being n The Human Settlements budget must include sup- tested to enable free higher education for the poor port for increased student accommodation. and working class and subsidised higher education n In order to achieve its intended access and success for the working class and “missing middle”; rates, fully subsidized cost of study will include tu- n That there is a need to strengthen collaboration ition fees, accommodation, meals, transport and between basic education and higher education and essential study materials or learning resources, and training; a stipend to cover meals and other essential living

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needs – that is the full cost of study fees. No poor n TVET colleges needs to progressively offer qualifi- or working class student should be partially funded, cations for Grade 12 entrants on Levels 5 and 6. depending on the availability of resources; n All students receiving grants and loans from the The College sector in the Post-School state to access higher education should receive ad- Education and Training System ditional academic and psycho-social support to in- crease their chances of success; Noting: n Finalise framework for regulating higher education n That the Post-School Education and Training fees. (PSET) system is currently skewed towards univer- sity education, and will not self-correct; and that it n Redesign funding formula for the college and uni- requires a massive focus on Technical and Voca- versity sector. tional Education and Training (TVET) and Com- n The incoming NEC Subcommittee should convene munity Education and Training (CET) in order to a dialogue with stakeholders on sustainable higher develop the system, change perceptions and culture education. and make TVET colleges attractive institutions of choice as envisaged in the White Paper on PSET.

Central Application Service (CAS) Therefore resolve that: n Implement a Central Application Service (CAS) in n The ANC must develop policies to clarify the nature universities by March 2018 and implement CAS and role of the entire college sector that comprises across the PSET system by 2022. Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and other colleges for specialised Sector Education and Training Authorities purposes such as agriculture, nursing, emergency n The programme of realignment of the SETA land- care, policing and teaching. The entire sector has scape should serve to improve the work of un- to be re-imagined in terms of the White Paper on der-performing SETAs. The role of both state and PSET. There must be clarity on programmes of- private sector by granting access to the workplace fered by all colleges, especially TVET and nursing for experiential learners remains critical for the suc- colleges. cess of the work of the SETAs. n Research must be undertaken into the cost effective- ness of training students at university in mid-level courses such as Primary Health Care (PHC) and Marketing technical and vocational education health promotion to determine where such courses and training as the first choice would best be delivered; and that note must be taken Noting: of the possible resistance offered to a changed ap- proach from universities and organisations such as n That progress has been made in the PSET system, the South African Nursing Council (SANC) and the especially with regards to the migration of the full Democratic Nurses Organisation of South Africa college functions to the Department of Higher Ed- (DENOSA). ucation and Training from the 1st April 2015 n The sector must conduct an audit of skills in col- n That Technical and Vocational Education and train- leges to determine competencies of educators and ing is important for skills development towards an support staff for better quality learning, education inclusive economy; and training in these institutions. Therefore resolve that: n Technical and vocational training should be mar- Focus on education and training in social keted as the first choice leading to attractive career sciences options for the majority of learners ahead of uni- Therefore resolve: versity education; n Colleges and universities must continue prioritising n Sufficient resources be made available for increas- mathematics, science and technology, but also focus ing access, infrastructure, lecturer in service training on education and training in the social sciences. bursaries and curriculum transformation; n Higher Education and Training, and Basic Educa- Institutional autonomy tion sectors are called upon to align technical and n The legislation on institutional autonomy for uni- vocational offerings in schools and colleges; and versities must be enforced.

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People’s Education for People’s Power Therefore resolve that: n The ANC must discuss and be a thought leader on National Health Insurance and Health Financing the broader ideological and political issue of decol- n The ANC reaffirms its resolutions on the National onisation which is captured in People’s Education Health Insurance (NHI). and People’s Power. n The ANC should ensure that the implementation Retirement age of professionals and academics of the NHI remains a priority of government. n The retirement age of academics should be in- n NHI pilots should be expanded to include other ar- creased. eas that are currently excluded. n The ANC must ensure that legislative framework on Improving the alignment between college and the NHI must be finalized by end of the current university programmes to the requirements for term. employment n In implementing the NHI specific emphasis must n That the ANC must consider policy changes that be given to Primary Health Care as the first and will make it compulsory for colleges and universities most important port of call. to obtain concurrence and approval to offer a course from relevant ministries, especially in the health sec- n The ANC supports the policy proposal by the health tor. This should aim at improving the alignment sector to use the money allocated to tax rebates to between college and university programmes to the medical aids to fund the NHI. requirements for employment in different sectors n National Treasury in collaboration with the Health under the governance of relevant ministries, espe- Department must develop measures that health cially in the health sector budget allocation takes account of population movements. Work-readiness of graduates and diplomates n That the ANC explore ways and means of ensuring n Measures should be developed by the health sector that diplomates and graduates are work ready at the to address the burden on the health system that is time of their completion of studies in colleges and a consequence of international patients using the universities. public health system without assistance provided by sending countries or international health agencies Funding commitments of the NDP 2030 and institutions. n The ANC and government pledge to fund commit- Improving the management of the National ments that are stated in the NDP 2030. Health System Further resolve that: n The ANC must pay special attention to the four major issues that bedevil the public health system, n The ANC considers establishing specialised col- namely human resources, procurement and supply leges and universities in specific metropolitan mu- chain systems, financial management and infrastruc- nicipalities. ture maintenance. n An audit of teachers be done for purpose of plan- n Retired health professionals such as nurses should ning so as to guarantee adequate supply and replace- be utilised primarily for mentoring. ment. n Members of college and university councils be Training of Health Professionals monitored to ensure accountability. n The medical school in Limpopo should be support- ed both in terms of financial and human resources. n The -Fidel Castro Health Collabo- ration should be assessed in light of the expansion HEALTH of the health professionals training platforms in South Africa. Noting: n Health is a priority for the ANC, government and Traditional medicine: practice and research country. n That the Provincial District and Local structures of n The White Paper on the National Health Insurance Traditional Health Practitioners must be supported (NHI) has been finalised and adopted by govern- and strengthened. This should include coordination ment. and prioritization of traditional medicine research in n The need to intensify programmes to ensure ongo- liaison with universities. ing improvement in the quality of health care.

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Healthy lifestyle Medical malpractice, medical insurance and n The ANC must ensure that all structures of govern- litigation ment; including municipalities, must provide requi- n Litigation and medico-legal hazards must be de- site amenities in communities, which will encourage creased through improving clinical care, introduc- healthy lifestyle and improve the quality of health of ing mediation and the use of legal tools. The health the people. sector must continuously strengthen measures to improve the quality of care delivered by health prac- n The ANC reaffirms its resolution that the Health titioners in the public and private sectors. Promotion Commission must be fast-tracked. n Policy on curbing high costs of medical insurance n The health sector must intensify health promotion and litigation against medical malpractice should be programmes such as regular examinations and tests developed. especially the (big five), cervical, prostate, breast, lung and colorectal cancers. Elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases School health n The health sector adopts a policy for the country to eliminate on or before 2027 all vaccine-preventable n School health services must be strengthened and diseases which have existing vaccines with proven nurses should be deployed to schools to implement efficacy. health plans. Revitalisation of military health facilities Health infrastructure n Facilities used by the South African Military Health n The ANC must adopt and employ the method of Services (SAMHS) should be prioritised for revital- accelerated infrastructure planning, delivery, main- ization in line with the infrastructure programme tenance and revitaisation that is similar to the Ac- pursued in the context of the NHI. South Africa’s celerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative main military hospitals should be prioritized for (ASIDI) used by the Basic Education sector. optimization of management, human resources State pharmaceutical company and equipment. Military and civilian health services must be well-coordinated without compromising n Conference re-affirms its previous resolutions on the combat-readiness of the SAMHS. the establishment of a state-owned pharmaceutical company.

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RESOLUTIONS

LEGISLATURE & GOVERNANCE

1. POLICY CONTEXT driving the economy and society. 1. The ANC’s approach to state power is informed by iii. Building effective, integrated planning and the Freedom Charter and the principle that “The service delivery systems. People Shall Govern”. The attainment of power by iv. Ensuring civil society works with the state in the ANC is a means to fulfil the will of the people achieving these goals. and ensure a better life for all. v. Strengthening and professionalizing Public 2. The ANC state transformation agenda entails Administration, particularly top management building a legitimate state that serves the interests and the delivery sectors. of the overwhelming majority, which is based on a democratic Constitution and a culture of human vi. Building the educational feeder system to pro- rights, and which uses public resources to better duce developmental skills, technical and pro- the lives of the majority, especially the poor. fessional personnel. 3. Despite the highlights and gains of the democrat- ic state, the challenges still facing South Africa are 2. RECALLING AND REAFFIRMING immense, with poverty, inequality and unemploy- ment still affecting vast sections of the people. The 7. The ANC 53rd National Conference embraced the state’s ability to drive transformation in society and National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030 as the economy is fundamental, but to date it has “a platform for united action by all South Africans not demonstrated sufficient capacity to drive this to eradicate poverty, create full employment and reduce change. This requires a comprehensive re-evalua- inequality as critical building blocks towards a truly tion. united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosper- ous society.” 4. The main goal of state transformation as articulat- ed in the ANC’s Strategy and Tactics is “building 8. Previous ANC Conferences adopted key policies a developmental state that provides effective ba- that are central to the transformation of the state. sic services and with capabilities to take forward This covers mostly the ANC resolutions of the a far-reaching agenda of national economic de- 52nd National Conference, the 3rd National Gen- velopment, whilst at the same time placing people eral Council (NGC) and the 53rd National Con- and their involvement at the centre of this pro- ference and 4th NGC. The 5th National Policy cess”. This objective is the guiding principle for the Conference endorsed policy decisions specifically ANC’s management of the state. related to: 5. Chapter 13 of the National Development Plan 8.1. Need for More Integrated Cooperative Gov- (NDP) outlines the challenges in achieving a De- ernance; velopmental State, caused primarily by weaker 8.2. Future of Provinces; forms of coordination and collaboration within and across spheres of government and a non-re- 8.3. Differentiated Local Government Model; sponsive public service. 8.4. Role of District Municipalities; 6. The building of a capable and developmental 8.5. More effective governance in municipalities; state at all three spheres of government must be achieved through the following measures: 8.6. Strengthening Ward Committees as part of Community participation; i. Strengthening political institutions to deliver on their mandate. 8.7. A review of the Local Government Finan- cial System; ii. Ensuring the state plays an important role in

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8.8. A review of the role, scope and composition commitment to serving communities, and of the MDB; their performance while in office. The ANC must rigorously ensure that its candidates 8.9. Strengthening systems to detect and act reflect these attributes, and establish mecha- against corruption; nisms to hold them accountable for delivering 8.10. Strengthening Local Government Systems. on the ANC’s Elections Manifestos. 9. A number of policies have been adopted but not ii. A clear Accountability Framework which ar- implemented – or not implemented in the spirit ticulates the roles and responsibilities of cad- intended. An internal institutional machinery must res operating in the state should be developed. be established to ensure that the ANC guides, The Accountability Framework must include monitors and ensures the implementation of con- provisions for enforcement and consequence ference resolutions. management where cadres do not perform as expected. iii. The ANC Constitution already specifies that there should be 50% gender representation 3. RESOLUTIONS amongst public office bearers. The proposals for 40% youth representation and the current 3.1 Consolidating political power provision for 60% continuity for should be debated further by branches prior to finalisa- Believing that: tion at National Conference. i. Political power is attained not for its own sake, but iv. The ANC must establish an Electoral Com- to pursue political and socio-economic objectives. mission in order to: The ANC is a national liberation movement that contests elections to obtain a mandate to exercise n Ensure ANC public representatives under- state power to further the transformation objec- go a transparent selection and capacitation tive. process to assume leadership and deploy- ment. ii. Our overall approach is that the ANC must remain the strategic centre of power in order to deliver on n Improve the quality, integrity, and sus- its mandate. tainability of the selection and election of public representatives, from local to iii. ANC policies remain valid, but our primary prob- national sphere. This would incorporate lem is the consistency of their implementation. much of what the List Committees deal 2.1.1 And whereas: with currently. i. The maturation of the political system has n Institutionalise the selection process and resulted in elections for all levels of govern- make it transparent in order to reduce the ment which are highly contested and extreme- possibility of current leadership organs ly competitive. We have a system of govern- from interfering with processes. ment in which parties can lose elections, and n Have an independent capacity to manage our planning must contemplate different out- these very demanding processes, but that comes and the ensuing strategic partnership are essential to organisational unity and arrangements. legitimacy, and quality of the public rep- ii. In instances where they are necessary, coali- resentatives that are put forward by the or- tion governments must be about gaining ac- ganisation for public elections. cess to consolidated power in order to con- v. The ANC must professionalise its capacity tinue to advance the National Democratic as a modern political party to fight and win Revolution strategic objectives. Decisions and elections, and create dedicated capacity to scenario planning about coalitions are tactical undertake ongoing mass media mobilisation, in nature and are entered into based on the regular polling, and techniques of modern needs of a pragmatic modern and mature po- multi-party electioneering such as projection litical party. of key leadership personalities. 2.1.2 Resolves that: vi. Where the ANC is in power, it should exer- i. Consistently winning elections depends cru- cise that power in ways that anticipate future cially on the calibre of the cadres that are electoral contestation, including asserting the deployed to elected office, their integrity and legitimacy and superiority of the ANC pro- gramme, and exposing the divisions and mor-

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al bankruptcy of the opposition. It should ii. Previous ANC Policy Conferences, NEC also aim to build state organs under its control Makgotla, NGC’s, National Conferences, with sufficient institutional resilience to con- and the NDP have emphasized the need for tinue under future electoral configurations. strengthening alignment in intergovernmen- vii. Where the outcome of an election does not tal coordination and collaboration. We need give the ANC an outright majority it must a more predictable and coordinated system consider entering into strategic governance of how macro policies and priorities are set, partnerships or other forms of coalition ar- and translated into integrated planning in- rangements in order to gain access to state struments and how budgets are developed, power. Our starting point for such arrange- deployed and implemented, within and across ments must be the ANC alliance and more spheres of government. broadly the Congress movement. Where the iii. There is weak vertical macro-policy coordina- ANC enters into coalitions, its focus must tion across spheres of government and poor always be on achieving access to state power horizontal collaboration across departments on an ‘issue-by-issue’ basis, in order to imple- and agencies of government due to misun- ment programmes aimed at transforming so- derstanding of the devolution and decentrali- ciety and building a better life for all. sation of powers within a unitary state, and an viii. The ANC must also build its internal capacity inappropriate configuration of the centre of to give policy direction to its elected represen- government tatives as well as creating a monitoring mech- iv. There is an urgent need to introduce new anism. In this regard, the ANC must ensure public administration reforms through uni- the creation of a Governance Support Team form public administration norms and stan- whose aim is to work with deployed cadres to dards to ensure that public administration is ensure the ANC policies are monitored and development-oriented and participatory, and implemented. The team should also assess that citizens trust government to deliver ser- the capacity of the State to implement pol- vices in an integrated manner. icies, and include expertise in the legislative and management environments of govern- Resolves that: ment. i. The Presidency is the strategic centre of gov- ix. Legislation on funding for political parties ernance. The strategic centre must be the cen- must be amended to provide for the increa- tral driver of the developmental state and the ment and transparency in party funding and following core resource based administrative apply to all three spheres of government. functions must form part of the centre of x. The funding of political foundations linked government to support the strategic centre: to political parties represented in parliament. state macro-policy and planning; budget and The mandate of these foundations would resource allocation and prioritisation; cooper- include, but not be limited to: research, pol- ative governance; public services; and perfor- icy development, political education, as well mance management. as the hosting and management of party ar- ii. Cooperative governance legislation must be chives. State funding for foundations should enacted to deal with issues relating to: the ef- be separate and ring-fenced from general state ficacy of provincial and national government funds to political parties. support to local government and provinces; harmonisation of powers and functions of provinces and local government; and a frame- 3.2 Macro-configuration of government work for accountability of Provincial and Lo- 3.2.1 Whereas: cal Government. i. The ANC government established a constitu- iii. The Presidential Commission to review the tional framework within the architecture and powers, functions and number of provinces configuration of a unitary state within a de- must be urgently established. centralized form of governance arrangement in three spheres of government. The consti- iv. The Legislature and Governance Subcommit- tution provides for principles of cooperative tee should analyse the mandate overlaps and governance across the spheres of government recommend consolidating and reconfiguring that are distinctive, interrelated and interde- functional mandates and roles between enti- pendent, which binds and defines their inter- ties and departments to inform the appropri- face. ate configuration.

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3.3 Capability and Capacity of the play a central coordinating role in capacitat- Public Service ing employees in all spheres to achieve the goals of the NDR. The NSG must provide 3.3.1 Believing that: support for talent management across the i. The NDP addresses the issues of capability spheres of government, and provide guid- and capacity of the state, and these should be ance for appointments, succession planning understood separately. Capability deals with and career development. the structures, processes, systems and gover- nance instruments at a macro level, and ca- iv. The Office of Standards and Compliance pacity deals with human resources and skills must be established to set and oversee imple- necessary for driving the state machinery. mentation of uniform norms and standards in public administration in all three spheres in ii. The ANC has not made sufficient progress in order to move towards a single public service. transforming middle management in govern- ment and legislating for gender parity within the administration. 3.4 Government Planning, Implementation and Performance iii. Youth employment and absorption into the public service remains a challenge and must 3.4.1 Believing that: be addressed. i. The ANC through National Conferences, NGC’s, Policy Conferences, Makgotlas and 3.3.2 And whereas: theManifesto sets policy and priorities for i. There are four areas where targeted action is government. The challenge is to ensure gov- particularly important: ernment executes ANC policies effectively and timeously. n The political-administrative interface and the clear separation of roles between the ii. The NDP is the planning framework for a political executive and the administration developmental state and the NPC was creat- ed to provide predictable planning scenarios. n The intergovernmental system and the ar- ticulation of roles between national, pro- iii. The centrality of coordinated macro policy vincial and local government. coherence and planning and enforcement will ensure the required implementation im- n Building a meritocratic and professional pact. There is clear evidence of sufficient public service that serves government of policy provision developed and adopted by the day in a loyal manner, but has sufficient ANC, but the missing link is coordinated institutional autonomy to build and retain macro-planning and execution of the poli- skills and be protected against political pa- cies. tronage. iv. The government historically, as well as, n Development of technical and specialist through the DPME, has put in place numer- professional skills, and appropriate career ous monitoring and evaluation frameworks paths for technical specialists. that enable the state to measure its impact 3.3.3 Resolves that: and identify shortcomings. However, there are still challenges of coherence and coor- i. The merit principle must apply in the deploy- dination and collocation of related planning ment to senior appointments, based on legis- functions. IGR in planning is not yet work- lated prescripts and in line with the minimum ing, and issues arising from Izimbizo are not competency standards. However, employ- linked into IDPs and budgets. ment strategies for young people into entry level positions within government should re- 3.4.2 Resolves that: move any impractical barriers of entry. i. The centrality of integrated macro policy ii. The Transformation and Modernisation of planning and coordinated implementation is Public Administration should incorporate affirmed and supported. ANC policy positions and deal comprehen- ii. The DPME must be strengthened and trans- sively with: human resources development; formed into a department for Policy and Plan- capacity building and professionalization of ning, focusing on macro policy coherence and the public administration; and the establish- planning; policy impact assessment; resource ment of necessary systems and processes. prioritisation linked to the budget strategy iii. The National School of Government should mandate paper; and spatial planning.

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iii. IDPs should remain the central planning tool 3.5.2. Resolves that: in which all other spheres of government i. The ANC must play a leading role in driving participate to address alignment of planning the IUDF to reverse apartheid spatial pat- – both bottom up and top down. Alignment terns, ensure resilience and quality of human of planning cycles and budget cycles, especial- settlements, and sustainability and efficiency ly with respect to local government must be of the overall system. achieved. Planning cycles must also align with ANC planning and evaluation makgotla. ii. The top 100 urban settlements as well as their rural hinterlands must be prioritised to iv. The above changes must be effected through achieve the goals on integration, inclusion a new planning regime that addresses the fol- and economic growth, thereby creating a lowing: more equitable spatial economy and dera- n A new predictable planning paradigm cializing communities. and discipline within and across spheres; iii. The overriding spatial challenge is overcom- n Clear national and provincial spatial plans ing the legacy of apartheid, densifying and aligned with municipal Spatial Develop- integrating urban and rural development ment Frameworks and municipal land nodes and activity corridors. This requires use management plans; government departments and spheres to work together in new ways that achieve co- n Streamlined coordination structures with ordinated impact. clear roles and responsibilities in plan- ning, budgeting, integration of plans and implementation modalities; 3.6 Legislatures n Strengthening Inter-sphere institutional 3.6.1 Believing that: coordination mechanisms; i. The Legislatures are a critical instrument of n Clear operational and implementation advancing people’s power and fast tracking systems, processes and modalities. the transformation of our society. They are constitutionally empowered and positioned to fulfil their functions of law making, over- 3.5 Managing municipal spaces for sight and public participation. This applies to radical socio-economic all Legislatures, comprising the two houses of transformation National Parliament, Provincial Legislatures 3.5.1 Noting that: and Municipal Councils. i. There is proliferation of spatial analysis of ii. The key role of the Legislature is to exercise municipal space, and that plans are not tar- oversight over the Executive, facilitate public geting the same areas and emphasize differ- involvement in its work and pass legislation to ent priorities, resulting in incoherent impact transform society and change the status quo. at local level. The oversight role is to ensure accountability and compliance, as well as to instil a develop- ii. The primary priority is addressing spatial mental approach to the state. transformation, integration, inclusion and economic growth. It is of paramount con- iii. Legislatures are constitutionally required to cern that within the twenty years of demo- provide a platform for public dialogue on cratic governance we have not been able to issues of strategic and national importance. reverse the apartheid spatial legacy. Legislatures play an important role in social transformation and the realization of socio iii. Within the context of addressing rapid ur- economic outcomes. banization, growing urban sprawl, the bal- ance between urban and rural development, iv. The three arms of state, being the Judiciary, the challenge of urban management, the the Executive and the Legislatures, are each Integrated Urban Development Framework led by a single office as prescribed by the Con- provides a government-wide policy frame- stitution, except for the Legislatures. work to create a shared understanding across government and society about how urbanisa- 3.6.2 Resolves that: tion should be managed to ensure resilience i. An assessment of the configuration of the and inclusion. legislative sector across all spheres of gov- ernment must be undertaken, with a focus

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on the efficacy of the legislative sectors. The self, including its Human Rights bodies, assessment must establish whether the legis- must assist to overcome the legacy of racial lative sector is appropriately configured, ade- or national oppression of the black majority quately resourced, optimally functioning and in general, and Africans in particular. works cooperatively with other arms of the state across all spheres. ii. The human rights culture must be in con- stant conversation with the liberation cul- ii. The Constitutional role of the NCOP must ture. be reviewed with the intention to strengthen the NCOP. Mechanisms must be developed iii. The central political question that must be to ensure the NCOP plays a catalytic stra- addressed is how these bodies assist us to tegic role in articulating provincial and local fundamentally transform and democratise government matters. Ways of strengthening the State, its Administration, Judiciary and the representation of provinces, SALGA and Legislature. the National House of Traditional Leaders should be considered. 3.7.2 Resolves that: iii. The position of Speaker of Parliament should i. The Ad Hoc Committee report on ISDs be created as the overall political institutional and its recommendations must be looked at head of Parliament, with the mandate to lead afresh, in order to review which recommen- the legislative sector as a whole. dations are outstanding. iv. The majority party Chief Whip in Parliament ii. The rationalisation of ISDs and establish- should be accorded the necessary political ment of a unitary human rights body should and institutional recognition as the Chief be investigated by Parliament, including con- Whip of Parliament, and similar arrange- sequent Constitutional and other amend- ments should be implemented at provincial ments. and local level. iii. Parliament must review the regulations, poli- v. The ANC Caucus must effectively use Par- cies and laws regarding the accountability and liament to regain the confidence of our reporting of ISDs to Parliament. people in the run-up to the 2019 Elections. The ANC Caucus must be at the forefront 3.8 Governance of State Owned of championing the needs of the people and Enterprises (SOEs) building the trust and confidence in the ANC led democratic state. 3.8.1 Believing that: vi. Parliament should investigate the establish- i. The state’s developmental agenda must be ment of a Parliamentary Institute to build enhanced through SOEs (including those op- the capacity of parliamentarians and public erating at a municipal level) in order to ensure representatives in the three spheres of gov- dedicated focused capacity of the state to ernment. deliver effectively and efficiently. The SOE’s vii. The research capacity to assist ANC Cau- must be channelled towards the implementa- cuses in the Legislatures in the three spheres tion of the objectives of the democratic state. of government must be boosted, and young ii. Government plays a critical role as a share- people should be employed to do research holder and executive authority. The ANC and provide support to Committees. government should be concerned with the viii. Constituency Offices should coordinate be- agenda of SOE’s, their mandate and func- tween programmes of government and the tionality. representatives of the state. All PCOs must be iii. The challenge of weak leadership in both Ex- occupied and working on Mondays which are ecutive and Non-Executive Board Members ANC days. Deployees of the three spheres seems to be persistent and undermines the should develop a joint programme for each critical roles of SOEs. Coupled with this, al- PCO, including a full time researcher. legations of corruption in the SOEs are also on the rise. 3.7 Institutions Supporting Democracy 3.8.2 Resolves that: (ISDs) i. The multiplicity of SOEs including Munici- 3.7.1 Whereas: pal Entities and their alignment with depart- i. Chapter 9 Institutions are creatures of the ments and accounting authorities must be Constitution. However the constitution it- reviewed.

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ii. The ANC must focus on the mandate and 3.9.2 Resolves that: role of SOEs, and make necessary inputs and i. The pilots where the separation of legislative policy guides to the Presidential SOE Coun- and executive powers in local government cil. Government must audit the mandates of has been tested must be analysed and the leg- the major SOEs and ensure alignment with islative amendments proposed to give them the development objectives of the state. effect. The approach should be incremental iii. The ANC government must strengthen the starting with the highly capacitated munici- oversight mechanisms on SOEs. The ANC in palities. Parliament must take the lead in ensuring this ii. The governance arrangement of intermedi- sector is properly managed and monitored. ate cities and dense rural settlements should iv. Legislature & Governance to develop a pro- be reviewed, with the intention of extending tocol on oversight of SOEs by legislatures the number of single tier (category A) munic- across the three spheres of government. ipalities. This process should be incremental with a properly researched policy on ratio- v. A policy paper on repositioning the SOEs as nalisation developed and adopted to outline catalyst of socio-economic transformation how such moves to single tier municipalities must be developed, including ways in which they can enhance local economies. This must would occur and which may be affected first. take into consideration the PRC recommen- This process must also involve an analysis of dations. the implications of a municipality becoming a Category A municipality for surrounding vi. Corruption must be uprooted in all SOEs. municipal areas. The legislatures in their oversight must pay attention to AG reports on corruption and iii. District Municipalities must support local make necessary follow-ups. SOEs must im- municipalities and may be differentiated in mediately report all corruption to the law en- terms of the Powers and Functions they ex- forcement agencies ercise. District municipalities must continue to exist in some parts of our country and . continue to deliver on their developmental 3.9 Local Government mandate. 3.9.1 Believing that: iv. The financing model and the Equitable Share i. Local government forms part of the ANC’s for local government needs to be compre- overall socio-economic transformation agen- hensively reviewed in order to align resources da and is the sphere of government closest to with Constitutional mandates. The system of the people. intergovernmental grants should be restruc- tured, taking account of changing settlement ii. The service delivery agenda of local govern- patterns, poverty, topography, capabilities ment is key to achieving a better life for all and other contexts. Local government’s own communities. revenues and revenue collection efforts must iii. Government programme for improving complement the proportion of the fiscus the performance of LG has been launched made available to municipalities in order to through the “Back to Basics” approach, the ensure there are no unfunded or underfund- core elements of the Back to Basic include: ed mandates. n Bringing government closer to the people; v. The current differences in the location of n Fast-tracking delivery of quality basic ser- electricity reticulation as a municipal function vices to the people; should be reviewed, and national sectoral de- partments (Recreation, Human Settlements, n Improving financial management; Water, etc.) must have strategies aligned with n Employing capable and qualified staff; municipal IDPs. n Dealing decisively with fraud and corrup- vi. The definition of what is rateable must be re- tion; viewed in terms of the Property Rates Act. n Ensuring accountable and transparent LG vii. The impact of the MFMA on the function- systems; ing and performance of local government n Compliance and consequence manage- should be reviewed and provisions formulat- ment for poor performance; ed that will enable local government to play n Capable political leadership and oversight its developmental role. management

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viii. The role and orientation of the Ward Com- 3.10.2. Resolves that: mittee system including community partic- i. All government functional boundaries must ipation should be strengthened to improve be aligned with municipal boundaries. service delivery and promote social cohesion, including increasing size and providing them ii. In terms of ward delimitations, a national with responsibilities. review should be undertaken of ways in which they create challenges such as divid- ix. Develop principles and policy framework ing communities, recognising that wards are to determine full time vs. part time council- the building blocks of government partici- lors, their conditions of service and basis on pation processes. which councillors should be remunerated. This should be phased in beginning with, for iii. The Municipal Demarcation Act must be example, Committee Chairs. In addition, the amended to restrict delimitation of outer additional tasks of Ward councillors in ad- municipal boundaries to a 10 yearly cycle, dressing provincial and national local govern- linked to the National Census. ment community-based issues should also be iv. The restructuring of the Municipal Demar- taken into account. cation Board must be accelerated in line x. The impact of the provisions in Section 56 with previous conference resolutions. and 57 of the Systems Amendment Act for v. The ANC must develop internal capacity to managers to be on contractual terms on in- guide its deployees in the demarcation pro- stitutional memory, available capabilities and cesses. the like should be properly researched. xi. There must be a review of the inter-govern- mental processes and structures to ensure 3.11 Traditional leaders municipal governance becomes more effec- 3.11.1 Believing that: tive in advancing its developmental mandate. i. The new South Africa ushered in a Demo- This includes the alignment of planning cy- cratic State in 1996, which dismantled among cles and financial years. others, the apartheid homeland structures, xii. A systematic approach to ANC deployment which were used as instruments for “indi- to local government must be developed to rect rule”. Some of the critical elements of ensure the right capabilities exist in councils. a democratic state expressed in the Consti- This includes a need to review the idea of re- tution of South Africa are “the Republic of tention such as reducing the 60% retention at South Africa is one, sovereign, democratic state national and provincial levels. Here, research founded on the following values among others: must be done on the impact retention has human dignity, non-racialism, and non-sexism”. had as reducing levels should not have a great ii. CONTRALESA was established in 1985 on impact on the skills and experience account of the counsel of the late President xiii. Councillor assessments before they are ac- of the ANC, Comrade O.R. Tambo to form cepted as councillors and during their term part of the broad progressive forces op- of office must include the degree to which posed to apartheid colonialism, and partic- the community at large knows them and is ularly to undermine the destructive strategy happy with their selection and performance. of the apartheid colonial regime of ‘divide and rule’, effected through the system of and ‘self-governing states’; 3.10 Demarcation of Boundaries 3.11.2 And whereas: 3.10.1 Noting that: i. The ANC has taken a number of resolu- i. The delimitation and alignment of jurisdic- tions at various conferences, resolving on tional boundaries is crucial to the process the need for the institution of traditional of aligning government planning and pro- leadership to be transformed so as to align grammes. it with the broader democratisation process, ii. However the frequent re-delimitation of within the republican and Constitutional municipal boundaries is destabilising to the system, not much attention has been paid local government system as well as govern- on the institution of traditional leadership; ment service delivery more broadly. ii. The White Paper on Local Government (1998), made some concrete proposals for

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integrating elected and traditional leader- municipalities and traditional authori- ship at local level; and ties iii. CONTRALESA has continued to engage iii. The institution of traditional leadership is the ANC since the advent of negotiations recognised in the Constitution, but con- and the democratic breakthrough of 1994, cerns raised about powers and functions of and up to date, with the November 2017 the institution as previously reflected in the Traditional Indaba. Interim Constitution is a complex matter that needs further engagement. 3.11.3 Noting that: a. To this end, Conference Resolves to i. While the Constitution of the Republic rec- enjoin the relevant government depart- ognises the institution of traditional leader- ment to pursue further consultative en- ship and provides for legislation for the es- gagement and necessary political and tablishment of its institutional capacity and legislative considerations in examining infrastructure; any possible Constitutional proposals. ii. The department responsible for local gov- iv. The current legislative proposals of inte- ernment and traditional affairs has been grating the traditional customary legislative established to inject new energy on the sec- system within the broader legislative system tor of traditional affairs, thus registering re- of the republic must help in leveraging on markable progress; the customary system to reduce and ulti- iii. Issues of traditional courts, land-use plan- mately eliminate backlogs in the courts. ning tools, land and tenure rights, gender v. The ‘opt out’ clause in Traditional Courts emancipation, political relationships and legislation must be considered by both the adequate support to the institution of tradi- department of justice and the institution of tional leadership for its sustainability, inde- traditional affairs as a pilot to further help pendence and transformation, continue to determine the most appropriate and ac- be critical issues; ceptable judicial dispensation for traditional iv. Land is one key factor that represents the communities. pride of any people, and the democratic a. To this end, a Ministerial or Inter-minis- government must prioritise land as one of terial commission must be appointed to the progressive steps towards restoring the facilitate an investigation and monitor- dignity of our people and helping to make ing of the implementation of the ‘opt- a significant contribution towards a more out’ approach in the traditional court inclusive economy, especially for the rural system and formulate proposals for a areas. permanent customary judicial system within the next two years after the pilot 3.11.4 Resolves that: commencement; i. Our approach to traditional leadership must b. A consultative process with the sector be incorporated within our understanding of traditional affairs must be pursued of a developmental state, under the guid- during and after the pilot stages, to en- ance of the National Development Plan. sure an inclusive outcome of the pro- ii. Government policy should take account of posals for implementation. and promote cooperative governance with vi. The institution of traditional affairs must respect to overlapping jurisdictions between be encouraged to embrace the Constitution- local authorities and traditional authorities al provisions on gender equality and current with respect to land management. positive developments of women ascending a. To this end, municipal councils must positions of leadership must be commend- consider the institution of traditional ed. leadership as a strategic partner and not a. To this end, traditional leaders must just as a stakeholder, especially in mat- further discourage and prohibit prac- ters of development planning and land- tices that limit and deny women rights use management like SPLUMA; and enshrined in the Constitution of the b. The relevant government department Republic like the right to represent must investigate a Special Cooperative themselves and be represented in cus- Governance Dispensation that will ef- tomary courts, right to own land and as- fectively manage the relationship of sets and inherit the same from their late

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spouses, and to be protected against un- people equitably. told suffering of violence, ‘ukuthwala’, ix. The implementation of the Communal genital mutilation, and the bride price Property Associations (CPA) Act to be considered a financial transaction for a evaluated and appraised with an intention commodity; of review in a way that will help reconcile b. The relevant state institutions to con- the right of rural communities to own land tinue to engage the traditional sector to and their relationship to institutions of tra- work together towards the transforma- ditional leadership geared towards positively tion of the sector and align it with the impacting rural communities and their lives. republican and Constitutional demo- a. To this end, the review must seek to ad- cratic system. dress all the unintended consequences vii. The land that is in state control (13%) and of significant undemocratic practices not in dispute or subject to any land claim within CPAs that limit the right to land must be considered for transfer to tradition- use by intended beneficiaries, as well as al communities to help leverage the regener- inadequate support that CPAs receive to ation of rural economies and development. help propel productive utilisation of the a. The state must courageously help land claimed. change the land ownership patterns by x. Political matters with regard to the relation- restoring land ownership to the majority ship of the ANC and CONTRALESA must of our people who continue to be land- continue to be engaged. CONTRALESA less and land-hungry. will continue to form part of the important b. To this end, the 13% in the state custo- sectors within the mass democratic move- dy must be transferred to the institution ment who played a significant role within of traditional leadership to be held in the liberation struggle. trust on behalf of the traditional com- a. To this end, the ANC must consider munities; a structured engagement with CON- TRALESA as part of a process that c. To further engage in a consultative and CONTRALESA must pursue, that of inclusive process by all stakeholders to redefining its role within the new dem- devise appropriate and empowering ocratic dispensation without alienating modalities of releasing land to members any section of the broad and diverse of traditional communities in a way that traditional communities that it must will not put such land to risk of medium continue to represent. to long term ownership loss, insecuri- ty of tenure and/or concentration by a xi. All other matters that relate to the adequate trust. support and service to the traditional sector by the relevant state institutions are to be viii. The rest of the land (87%) in private hands, addressed by the relevant departments. excluding that owned by private individuals, a. This support and service to the tradi- should be pursued through legitimate claims tional sector must be to address all mat- for restitution, and parcels of land not pro- ters relating to their tools of trade, ben- ductively utilised to be transferred under efits, infrastructure and developmental state control for purposes of public good support that help restore the dignity and and interests. decorum of the institution and accord a. In furtherance of fair restoration and traditional leaders the respect they de- redistribution of land to the people, serve, and empowering them to play a the ANC must convene a Land Summit more developmental and transformato- within the year 2018. The summit must ry role in their communities. consider all the available and possible mechanisms and modalities, legally and politically, that will ensure consultative 3.12 Job Creation and Community and inclusive processes that will help Works Programme to safeguard economically productive utilisation of land and food security, 3.12.1 Noting that: without harming efforts to balance the i. Public employment programmes, including promotion of national unity and trans- the Community Work Programme (CWP), forming the economy to benefit all the are playing a key role in providing work op-

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portunities in poor areas where markets are all state institutions. failing to do so. 3.13.2 Resolves that: ii. The purpose of the CWP is to provide an employment safety net for those without ac- iv. The ANC needs to lead the moral regenera- cess to alternative work opportunities to lift tion of society, and this programme must be them out of poverty. Participants receive a adequately funded and accounted for. The stipend in return for useful work that they religious community and traditional leaders undertake in their own communities. should be mobilised into a ‘whole of soci- ety’ approach. 3.12.2 Resolves that: v. The ANC must mobilise communities and i. State institutions must prioritise job cre- society around issues of corruption, and ation opportunities in their procurement position itself in a leadership role with re- programmes, including filling all available spect to a culture of exposing corruption positions or vacancies. and rewarding whistle blowers within the organization. ii. Labour maximisation methods should be prioritized in project executions. Every ef- vi. The ANC government and leadership must fort must be made to build and support the implement a programme to prevent irregu- inclusion of small businesses and emerging lar or fraudulent practices within the ANC enterprises. and in government, including: ethics; mon- itoring; transparency in procurement deci- iii. EPWP contractual periods should be ex- sions; checks and balances and oversight tended to avoid frequent instability in em- mechanisms; the disbarring of both public ployment. servants and public representatives at all There needs to be better alignment between levels from doing business with the state; government departments and spheres in and the introduction of probity and life terms of management of Community De- style audits. velopment Workers. vii. The public service and administration port- iv. Accredited training in public employment folio should fast track the establishment of programmes is crucial to their successful Integrity and Ethics Management Office implementation. and build requisite capacity at all levels of government. The scope must extend to the SOEs. 3.13 Fighting corruption in the state viii. Reporting corruption to law enforcement and broader society agencies must be compulsory in the public 3.13.1 Believing that: sector. The capacity of prosecutorial divi- i. Corruption is a social ill that cuts across all sions must be boosted. sectors of society. ix. Government must introduce new regula- ii. There is a societal outcry regarding the prob- tions in terms of PAMA to implement the lem of corruption in the organs of the state above provisions for dealing with corrup- and in society more broadly. tion in the public sector. iii. The ANC government must rigorously root x. Parliamentary oversight mechanisms must out all forms of corruption including, ten- pay special attention to corruption. der rigging, fraud, bribery and nepotism in

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RESOLUTIONS

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

INTRODUCTION continued ideological contestation between reac- 1. The ANC in pursuing its International Relations tionary forces on the one hand; and progressive objectives is informed by the Freedom Charter forces on the other. that states: “There shall be Peace and Friendship”; 8. The election of Donald Trump as the President the African Claims adopted in 1943, and succes- of the United States of America can be generally sive National Conference Declarations that have viewed as a reversal of progress achieved under reinforced the ANC’s historical role in the global the previous Obama administration. However, we Progressive Movement. Therefore International note that even under President Obama, there was Relations is utilised by the ANC to form friend- no substantive change in policy with regards to ei- ships, cooperation and to work towards peace in ther the economic system or foreign policy of the the continent and the world, whilst pursuing South US as a superpower. Africa’s National Interest. 9. Multilateral institutions, including the United Na- 2. The ANC moves from the premise that our In- tions (UN), continue to reflect a post World War 2 ternational Relations policy is directly informed by reality in terms of composition, hence the need for our domestic policy, and vice versa. Both domestic their reform. and international policy are mutually reinforcing with an umbilical link. Therefore, six guiding pil- 10. The emergence of growing economic powers, es- lars anchor international work, namely: pecially China, India and Brazil, have a perspective that is informed by their respective struggles. They I. Building a better Africa and world are inclined to acting multilaterally and therefore II. Continental and international solidarity share our commitment to rebuilding and trans- III. Party-to-Party, intra-party and multiparty rela- forming all the institutions of global governance. tions 11. Africa has also seen a growing scramble for eco- IV. Transformation of Global Governance nomic power between the West and the emerging V. Policy Development issues markets. It is therefore imperative for South Africa VI. Campaigns. to forge beneficial and strategic partnerships. 3. The ANC remains committed to the founding val- 12. That the global financial crisis – with its epicenter ues of the Struggle: namely for a humane, just, eq- in the developed countries of Western Europe and uitable, democratic and free world. the United States, has had ramifications for the de- veloping world and overall negatively affected the 4. Africa and its development remains the central ob- transformation of the global economic and finan- jective of the ANC’s international perspective and cial system. policy, with the African Renaissance remaining a key policy objective. 13. The hypocrisy of developed countries and the NATO military alliance - consistent with their divi- 5. International Relations remain a pillar of the sive policies in the Middle East and North Africa. ANC’s strategic approach. Reaffirming: Recognising that: 6. As the governing party, the ANC has used its pro- 14. The resolutions of the 2007 Polokwane National gressive internationalism as a prism through which Conference and 2012 Mangaung National Confer- it looks at the world. The organisation continues to ence and the recommendations of 2015 National maintain an independent foreign policy stance. General Council. 7. What we are witnessing on the global stage is the 15. That ANC has been active on the continent and in the world through party-to-party relations; partic-

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ipating in international forums; conflict resolution f. The ANC government should continue to on the continent; in campaigns continentally and participate in the AU-Commission led dis- globally; addressing some of the transformation- cussions on increasing and deepening the al global governance issues; and ensuring ongoing involvement of the African Diaspora in the policy development. development of the continent. 16. The International Relations Department at ANC g. The ANC government should encourage the Headquarters remains inadequately capacitated AU to work towards being self-reliant. to execute all its functions and tasks optimally; h. The ANC government should have discussions develop policy; lead campaigns; and partner with with fellow African leaders within the sub-re- like-minded organisations. gion as well as in the continent, on the regula- 17. The ANC and the ANC government remains tion of internal migration on the continent. committed to a peaceful and prosperous Africa – i. South Africa should continue to play a mean- in pursuit of the aspirations of Agenda 2063 of ingful role in SADC and the AU’s peace-mak- the African Union (AU). ing and peace-building efforts in amongst others, Lesotho, South Sudan and Sudan and Therefore the ANC 54th National Conference the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). resolves: These interventions are based on the objec- tive of finding peaceful solutions (such as CONTRIBUTING TO BUILDING A post-conflict reconstruction and develop- ment) as opposed to military interventions. BETTER AFRICA AND BETTER WORLD: Building a Better Africa 19. Pan African Parliament (PAP): 18. African Union (AU): a) The South African government should con- a. The ANC remains committed to the African tinue to play a role in strengthening the PAP Union and all its attendant institutions and and its work. programmes, including albeit not limited to the Pan African Parliament (PAP), the African b) The ANC should continue to play an active Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), the New role in the debate on the future of the PAP, Partnership for African Development (NE- and its transformation into a legislative body PAD) and the African Development Bank of the AU. (ADB). c) The South African government should create b. Although South Africa and Southern African awareness around the PAP in South Africa. Development Community (SADC) has played d. The South African government should as- a pivotal role in the development of policies sist the PAP to be a key catalyst for the unity and decisions of the African Union, South and further democratisation of Africa and its Africa and SADC can do more to strengthen member countries. the AU. c. The AU Commission should continue to fo- cus on rationalising the Regional Economic 20. Southern African Development Community Communities (RECs) into a maximum of five (SADC): geographically aligned (5) REC’s in order to a. The South African government should sup- avoid duplication and overlapping member- port SADC in the promotion of democracy ships. in the region. d. The ANC calls on African countries to utilise b. The South African government should ensure their natural resources such as land, mineral the process of regional integration in South- and marine resources; as well as infrastructure ern Africa takes into account the varied social, development programmes - for the benefit of labour, economic, and political systems within their population and actively fight against illic- the region. it financial flows. c. The South African government should work e. The ANC calls on the AU to request that with SADC in transforming the SADC Parlia- member states discuss regulating the conduct mentary Forum into a regional Parliament. of multi-national companies on the continent, without necessarily inhibiting investment.

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22. Pan African Women’s Organisation (PAWO): a.The ANC, together with the ANCWL and DIRCO a) To leverage our chairing of BRICS in 2018 to be should work with other countries to strengthen the beneficial to South Africa and the continent; PAWO Headquartered in South Africa. b) That the South African government should sup- b.The ANC must assist PAWO with its programme of port the setting up of the BRICS Ratings Agency; promoting gender equality on the continent. c) To align our bilateral programmes with the Peo- c.The ANC must ensure that the resolution on the ple’s Republic of China with those of FOCAC; formation of a Young Women’s structure within d) To educate ANC members and the broader public PAWO is expedited. on the relevance and importance of our member- d. Since the AU has declared PAWO as a specialised ship in BRICS. The ANC should utilise the hosting agency, South Africa must enter into a host coun- of BRICS meetings in SA as events that can pro- try agreement with PAWO. mote the work and the relevance of BRICS among its membership and the South African communi- e. A Special Envoy must be assigned to PAWO to revit- ty at large. The Tenth Summit due to be hosted alise the organisation. by South Africa, is an ideal opportunity to ensure greater community understanding and interaction 23. Pan African Youth Movement: with BRICS; a. The ANC reaffirms its support of the African Union’s e) That the BRICS Bank that has been established Decade of Youth Development (2008- 2018). must be used effectively to provide an alternative Global Financing Mechanism. 24. All-Africa Student Union: f) That the ANC and the ANC government should a. The South African government should recommend effectively use our membership in BRICS to deep- the resuscitation of the All- Africa Students Union en and align our policies with each of the individ- to the AU. ual BRICS countries. g) That the ANC should discuss with BRICS coun- Building a Better World tries how the G20 can be better utilised to promote a progressive agenda; CONTINENTAL AND INTERNATIONAL SOLI- DARITY h) That the ANC and ANC government should pro- mote student exchange programmes for South Af- rican students with the BRICS countries as part of 25. Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS): skills development. The following was noted: i) That the ANC should work with other BRICS member parties to sign a joint BRICS party – party • The historical connection of South Africa with the agreement. emerging powers: therefore cooperation through forums such as BRICS is of primary importance to our Movement 26. Sudan and South Sudan: • The strategic importance of BRICS membership a) The ANC to continue engaging with all political as part of our overall International Relations strat- parties in both countries so as to ensure that as egy and when tensions arise there are mechanisms for • That our membership within BRICS must be lev- dialogue and engagement eraged to advance our developmental goals. b) The ANC and the ANC government must contin- • That as much as our trade has increased with some ue to directly assist in the development of South of our BRICS partners, the balance of trade is still Sudan as a new state. not in our favour. c) The ANC must continue to assist and advise the • That our national programme of industrialization SPLA/M to transform from a military to a political must also improve if we are to benefit from fa- organisation. vourable trading relations with BRICS partners, d) The ANC government must continue to support particularly China. the work of the Special Envoy, and his mission of promoting peace in South Sudan. Conference therefore resolved:

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27. Western Sahara: 28. Somalia: a. Recalling the historic fraternal relations be- a) The ANC welcomes the formation of the tween the ANC and the Polisario Front as new Somalian government, which marked an allies in the struggle against injustice, colonial- end to the transition period. ism and apartheid. b) The ANC will continue to promote political b. Recalling that Western Sahara is the only re- dialogue in Somalia and its Federal forma- maining colony in Africa. tions and provide support to assist Somalia to c. Reaffirming the inalienable right of the peo- achieve peace and development. ple of Western Sahara to self-determination c) The ANC commends the peaceful settlement and independence. of the issues through dialogue. d. Recalling all relevant UN Human Rights re- d) The ANC calls on the AU and UN to galvan- ports and reports of international human ise collective action to stop piracy, illegal fish- rights organisations such as Amnesty Interna- ing, waste dumping on the Somali coastline, tional, Human Rights Watch, etc. including international maritime formations. Conference therefore resolves that: e) Commends the strengthening of the Somali judicial system and the promotion of rule of n The ANC condemns the withdrawal by Morocco from the UN-led peace process and supports UN law and justice for the Somali citizens. efforts to bring both parties back to the negotiat- f) The participation of women, youth and mi- ing table. nority groups in Somalia and the commitment to work in an accountable manner will remain n The ANC should engage with a wide range of players to ensure that the proposed UN Referen- vital. dum in Western Sahara takes place. g) The ANC supports the efforts of AMISOM, and encourages them to do all they can to en- n The ANC urges the international community, and the United Nations in particular, to assume with- sure that the elections will be held in a safe an out further delay, their legal and moral responsi- environment as possible. bility on granting respect to the inalienable right h) The ANC continues to support Somalia in its for self-determination of the people of Western efforts towards nation building, national unity Sahara. and reconciliation. n The ANC expresses solidarity with Saharawi polit- ical prisoners and human rights defenders and calls 29. Cuban solidarity on the international community to provide materi- al support to the Saharawi. a) The ANC continues to call on the United States to remove the illegal economic embar- n The ANC urges the international community to go/blockade against the Republic of Cuba. call on Morocco to immediately lift the military, se- curity and media blackout imposed in the occupied b) It further calls on the South African govern- territories of Western Sahara, to remove the wall ment to increase trade between South Africa and to initiate and lobby the international commu- and Cuba as a reinforcement of our foreign nity for the natural resources of Western Sahara to policy and international solidarity with Cuba. be under the mandate of the United Nations. c) Call upon the DA-led Western Cape provincial n The ANC salutes the struggle and determination government to cease its discriminatory action of the Saharawi people, both in occupied and lib- of denying opportunities for deserving youth erated zones, as well as in refugee camps under the from the Western Cape to study in Cuba. leadership of the Polisario Front n The ANC will intensify its solidarity campaign with 30. Islamic Republic of Iran: Western Sahara with more practical initiatives such a) The ANC welcomes the conclusion of ne- as humanitarian aid, solidarity marches, seminars gotiations that led to the lifting of sanctions etc. against Iran. n Morocco’s re-admission into the African Union b) The ANC encourages the South African gov- should be used as an opportunity for us to further ernment to engage Iran through meaningful our support for the struggle of Western Sahara. bilateral relations in a wide range of fields. n That the South African Government should ap- point a Special Envoy on the Western Sahara issue.

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31. Syria: f) the ANC also calls for the unity of the Pal- a) The ANC supports the efforts of Russian estinians as an imperative to sustainable and Federation and Turkey towards brokering lasting peace peace amongst the main actors in Syria.

b) The ANC will continue to monitor develop- 36. Kurdish People: ments in the region and will engage with all parties and stakeholders in a quest to find a a) The ANC supports the Kurdish people’s resolution to the country’s numerous chal- struggle for human and political rights, peace lenges. and justice in the Middle East. b) The ANC urges all role players to engage to- wards a political solution in the conflict. 32. Bahrain: c) The ANC further calls for the release of a. The ANC calls on the world to speak out Kurdish people’s leader, Abdullah Ocalan, against the violent actions of the Bahraini and all political prisoners. government targeted at its own citizens.

PARTY-TO-PARTY, INTRA AND 33. Sri Lanka: MULTILATERAL RELATIONS a. The ANC will be steadfast in ensuring that its role serves to enhance global support for 37. ANC participates in a number of international a political process characterised by integrity, organisations. fairness and empathy. a) The ANC needs to urgently develop a clear policy on international participation to en- b. The ANC supports the fundamental approach sure that proper international protocols and to ensure the creation of an environment con- conduct are followed by comrades - including ducive for fair and equitable participation of those deployed to government - whilst con- all credible representatives in genuine negotia- ducting their international work. tions towards a lasting political solution in Sri Lanka. b) The ANC needs to strengthen its affiliation to like-minded international organisations and participate actively in them, including 34. Palestine: strengthening our proactive participation in a) The ANC notes the extraordinary recent de- structures such as the Socialist International velopment whereby the US administration has and the Sao Paulo Forum. taken an unprecedented and provocative deci- c) The strengthening of Socialist International sion to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of (SI) by working towards renewing and restruc- Israel. turing the organization to enable it to deal b) The ANC both unanimously and unequivo- with current and future challenges facing the cally condemns this provocative step by the Progressive Left across the world. We must USA and urges that the President Trump ad- utilize the African Chapter of SI to strengthen ministration immediately reverse its decision. the SI. c) Consequently, and in order to give our prac- d) Educate members and the broader South Af- tical expression of support to the oppressed rican public on the reasons for our participa- people of Palestine; the ANC has unanimous- tion in the SI. ly resolved to direct the SA government to im- e) The ANC congratulates Comrade Ebrahim mediately and unconditionally downgrade the Ebrahim on his election as the Vice President South African Embassy in Israel to a Liaison for the Africa chapter, as well as Comrade Office. Gwede Mantashe who serves in the Ethics d) The ANC calls on the Palestinians to review Committee of SI. This reflects the level of the viability of the two state solution in the our participation and involvement in the SI. light of the current development.

e) The ANC must encourage interaction with 38. Party-to-Party Relations: Palestinian social bodies, especially those a) Party-to-Party relations amongst former liber- involved in peace building such as women ation movements like SWAPO, MPLA, FRE- groups. LIMO, ZANU PF CCM etc, continues to be

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prioritised by the ANC. Structured support the Statute of the African Court of Justice of the former liberation movements in the re- and Human Rights and encourage the speedy gion must be pursued. operationalization of the African Court of Human and People’s Rights. b) A study must be undertaken to establish a better understanding of the ideological orien- b) The South African government has re-com- tation and character of the parties in the con- menced the reviewing of the domestication tinent - and identify those that share the same of ICC-related legislation; post this process political vision as the ANC. the withdrawal notification will be made to the ICC. c) A deliberate effort must be made to strengthen relations with all progressive and like-minded c) Government has begun a process of ap- parties in the region, continent and the world. proaching the AU Member States to reconsid- er the Malabo Protocol insofar as it concerns d) Relations with other governing parties in the the ratification of the African instruments. continent that might not share the same vi- sion with the ANC must be promoted. Such relations could be based on common inter- 42. United Nations ests. a) The ANC recognises that reform of the UN e) The ANC Women’s League and the Youth is a key priority of the global multilateral sys- League should strengthen party-to-party rela- tem. tions as well as relations with other progres- sive women and youth organisations across b) The ANC continues to advocate for the ex- the world. pansion of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to ensure that all continents are represented and that the reformed UNSC reflects the cur- TRANSFORMATION AND GLOBAL rent global realities. GOVERNANCE c) The ANC notes that since the AU adopted the Ezulweni Consesus ten years ago there 39. G20: has been little to no progress. The ANC calls a) South Africa continues to play a role in the for the review of the position. G20. This is an important platform for our international work. b) South Africa should ensure that the G20 dis- 43. OECD cussions are focused on stabilising the world a) That the ANC government maintains its cur- economy by building global partnerships to rent observer status as opposed to taking full eradicate global poverty and realise a more eq- membership of Organization for Economic uitable global economic system. Cooperation and Development (OECD).

40. IMF and World Bank: POLICY DEVELOPMENT a) The ANC continues to call for the reform of 44. Parliamentary Diplomacy the IMF and World Bank. a. The ANC must ensure that its Parliamentari- b) The ANC should partner with international ans deployed to global forums like the Inter- organisations and alternative think tanks that national Parliamentary Union (IPU), SADC have consistent programmes directed at the Parliamentary forums, various Parliamentary reform of the IMF and World Bank. Associations and others are empowered with knowledge on foreign policy issues. This be- c) The ANC call on the SA government to uti- gins with the ANC branches. lise platforms like the G20 to discuss the re- form of the IMF and the World Bank. b. The ANC should ensure that Parliament to- gether with Government promote public edu- cation in both urban and rural areas of South 41. The International Criminal Court Africa on foreign policy issues. An example a) The Conference reaffirmed the resolution is SA positions in multilateral bodies like the of the 2015 ANC National General Council United Nations (UN) and elsewhere - as well (NGC) to withdraw from the ICC. Further- as around South Africa’s other foreign policy more, South Africa must ratify the Malabo objectives to create a better understanding in Protocol on Amendments to the Protocol on the public domain.

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c. The ANC should develop a strategic docu- CAMPAIGNS ment towards understanding the need to en- gage all players in the international system 49. Africa Day: with a view to advancing our interests, values a) The ANC should mandate its structures and and aspirations. encourage government and the broader South African public to promote Africa Day. The African Union anthem should be learnt and 45. Economic & Cultural Diplomacy sung by all South Africans as part of our com- a) The ANC holds the view that economic di- mitment to the African continent and recog- plomacy is not limited to basic economic nition of our African Heritage knowledge, but should be able to increase b) The ANC should consider submitting to gov- South Africa’s voice and choice in internation- ernment that Africa Day is declared a Public al relations and cooperation. Holiday. b) Economic diplomacy relates to the connec- tion between international relations and do- 50. Mandela Day: mestic imperatives or interests as the enhance- a) The Conference resolved to intensify the ment of South Africa’s economic diplomacy role of the ANC, particularly ANC branch- as a tool of foreign policy, for example our es, in co-ordinating events on Mandela Day, State-Owned-Enterprises (SOEs) should in- which should not be dependent on govern- vest in development projects on the conti- ment-sponsored or organised events. nent. b) The ANC should promote Mandela Day c) The Department of Trade and Industry and across the continent and the world as a sym- Department of International Relations and bol of our commitment to a human rights Co-operation should ensure that they improve culture, a humane and caring society, and fos- their co-ordination with regard to economic tering solidarity and unity. diplomacy. c) The centenary celebration of the life of Pres- d) The South African government missions ident Mandela, should reflect on his commit- abroad should include cultural diplomacy as a ment to Progressive Internationalism and be strategic component of our foreign policy. used to rally all global progressive formations behind international solidarity work. 46. SADPA a) The ANC directs government to accelerate 51. Swaziland: the establishment of the South African De- a) The Conference reflected on the nature of the velopment Partnership Agency (SADPA) to Swazi Monarchy where the King wields exec- assist the ANC and government in pursuit of utive, judicial and legislative power. our vision for a better Africa. b) It further discussed that the people of Swazi- land still suffer gross human rights violations as well as reflecting on the status of political 47. European Union activity of PUDEMO, SWAYOCO and SSN a) That an analysis on the pending withdrawal that are now proscribed in terms of anti-ter- of the United Kingdom from the European ror legislation in Swaziland. Union, also known as Brexit. c) ANC should find mechanisms to open up talks between the people of Swaziland and 48. Phenomena of Cities their government. a) That the role of cities in international devel- d) Accordingly, the following 53rd Resolution of opment should be coordinated at a country the ANC Mangaung Conference on Swazi- level and not through imposition of struc- land be implemented: tures by the international community. The n That the ANC calls for the release of all phenomenon of rapid urbanization is not the political prisoners, including South Afri- sole preserve of cities. cans incarcerated in Swaziland, such as Amos Mbedzi. n That the ANC explore mechanisms of strengthening its solidarity campaigns on Swaziland.

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n That the ANC encourage the progressive raising awareness around attacks against for- Swazi political and civil organizations to eign nationals. lead the Swazi struggle. n That the ANC consider International Rela- n That the ANC support the call by the tions as a module to be integrated into the people of Swaziland for the unbanning Online ANC political education programme. of political parties. n That the 53rd Conference Resolution on es- n That the ANC formalize its party-to-par- tablishing a liaison office in Tshwane is imple- ty relations with PUDEMO. mented and further agreed to strengthen IR Sub-Committees in all nine provinces. n That the South African government should upscale its strategic influence of n That there is a full-time Head of International the Southern African Customs Union Relations (IR). (SACU). n That branches include a standard item on In- 52. Note the solidarity campaigns mentioned earlier in ternational Relations issues in the agendas of the document such as Cuba, Western Sahara and Branch General Meeting. the Palestine. n That an easy to read booklet of the NDP and 53. In recognition of the sacrifices endured by the Agenda 2063 of the AU be produced for dis- various African countries arising from the actions tribution amongst ordinary South Africans. of the apartheid government, we therefore call on n That there be a focus on gender equality with- government to collaborate with various countries in our International Relations policy. in the establishment of monuments in honour of our fallen heroes and heroines, if possible where n Resolved to establish ANC forums outside they fell, as well as a monument to the Fallen Sol- the country, where the South African Diaspo- dier. ra is located.

54. Myanmar 56. Alliance programme on International Conference notes that: Relations a) The positive agreement between the govern- a) A combined programme on IR with the ments of Myanmar and Bangladesh that will ANC’s Alliance partners should be developed allow for the repatriation of an estimated which incorporates: 700,000 Rohyngias who were forcibly dis- n Climate change, trade and the reform of placed from the country of their birth to the multilateral Institutions. barren refugee camps in Bangladesh. n Solidarity campaigns: on Cuba, Western b) The ongoing humanitarian support from the Sahara, Palestine and Swaziland. In par- South African public and orgainisations. ticular. The Alliance needs to undertake Conference therefore resolves that: a full discussion on our approach to the a) The South African government and its allies situation in Swaziland. urge the Myanmar government to ensure the b) The Alliance should convene an International safe return of the Rohingya people, and that Forum to strategise and plan joint campaigns. their citizenship be recognized so that that they live and work in peace and dignity. c) The Alliance should share critical information on international relations. b) The ANC and the South African government continue to urge that humanitarian support d) The Alliance should hold an annual meeting be extended from the international and South to assess global events and undertake joint African community. planning. e) The ANC should establish an International Solidarity Forum to ensure that all campaigns Capacity Building and Coordination fall under one umbrella. 55. Capacity & Work of the International Relations Department: n That all Provinces engage in international sol- idarity work through training and other forms of empowerment for its members; including

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SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS for the rights of Palestinians. Declaration on President Donald Trump’s an- 10. There is sufficient evidence to conclude that the nouncement to relocate the American Embassy Israeli administration is operating on a “no solu- from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem tion -playing for time’’, seeking to change the inter- national pattern of voting in favour of its goal to Noting: render impossible Palestinian self-determination. 1. The announcement that the USA will move its em- bassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and further that Conference resolves to: this announcement has been roundly condemned 1. Condemn in the strongest possible terms the de- by nearly every world leader except the Prime Min- cision by the USA Administration to officially ister of Israel. recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This blatantly provocative act severely undermines the 2. That a number of protests against this move have spirit of multilateralism and is a significant setback broken out in Jerusalem itself, as well as in Ramal- to a fragile and already stalled peace process. lah and Bethlehem following the announcement; and several armed groups in the region have la- 2. Call on the US Administration to reconsider its belled Trump’s announcement as ‘a declaration of unilateral and provocative decision on Jerusalem, war’. in the light of the negative ramifications for the cause of a just and lasting peace including that “the 3. The disappointment at the State of Israel’s lack of US has driven itself further away from its role as a commitment towards peace. mediator and sponsor in peace talks between Israel and 4. The continued illegal occupation of Palestine and the Palestinians’’. East Jerusalem by Israel - now in its 50th year as 3. Call on other countries with resident diplomatic well as Israel’s continued violation of international presence in Tel Aviv not to follow suit but main- law and successive UN resolutions. We recall the tain their Embassies in Tel Aviv. Nakba calamity and 100 years of the colonial Brit- ish Balfour Declaration laying the basis for the cre- 4. To affirm the OIC position that East Jerusalem is ation of the State of Israel. the recognised capital of the future State of Pales- tine. 5. The recommendation of the 5th ANC National Policy Conference of on 4 July 2017 to downgrade or shutdown South Africa’s diplomatic relations LIBYA / SLAVE TRADE with the State of Israel. Noting: 6. The annual ANC January 8th Statements, includ- 1. Conference discussed the negative developments ing specifically the 2015 ANC NGC decision to in Libya as a consequence to the regime change “encourage disengagement with Israel especially within agenda, and the ongoing conflict in Libya, which government and legislatures, unless promoting solidar- is presently controlled by various militias based in ity and resolving the conflict. In particular, travel to cities. Israel will be discouraged”. 2. There are, presently, two Libyan authorities claim- 7. Israel’s continued military occupation of Palestine ing to represent the Libyan people in addition to a and the diminishing prospect of realizing the ideal UN recognised third authority. of an independent Palestinian State, living side by side and in peace and security with the State of 3. The Libyan people are suffering from a lack of Israel due to Israel’s offensive policy of illegal set- control of their own rich resources, resulting in tlement expansion through land confiscation. poverty, lack of water, electricity and importantly food and human security. 8. The illegal Israeli settlements are in contravention of international law and UNSC resolutions, includ- 4. The inhuman treatment of migrants and economic ing Resolution 2334 of December 2016 which de- refugees crossing the Libyan desert to find greener clared that Israeli settlements in Palestinian territo- pastures in Europe. Their plight is being exploit- ry, including East Jerusalem, have no “legal validity ed by human traffickers. The action of European and constitute a flagrant violation under international countries stopping the flow of migrants attempt- law”. ing to cross the Mediterranean has resulted in per- sons thrust into camps controlled by greedy crimi- 9. There are now over 600 000 settlers living in hun- nal gangs. This has led to some people who can be dreds of settlements in the West Bank (430 000) characterised as being enslaved. and East Jerusalem (208 000). The Israeli regime is increasingly acting with impunity with no regard

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Conference resolves to: 2. That the ANC as the custodian of the legacy of Nelson Mandela has a responsibility to preserve 1. Condemn in the strongest terms this abominable the principles and values that he cherished and es- crime against humanity. poused in his lifetime. 2. To direct the SA government to work together 3. That in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s contribu- with the Libyan authorities, the AU and the inter- tion to humanity, the United Nations has declared national community for an immediate end to these July 18 as the Nelson Mandela International day criminal practices and ensure the wellbeing of the for Freedom, Justice and Democracy. migrants and refugees. 4. His contribution to the birth of a new democratic, 3. Welcome the ongoing efforts aimed at ending non-racial, non-sexist South Africa. these criminal practices and resolved that the ANC directs the SA government to work together with 5. That Nelson Mandela continues to inspire people the Libyan authorities, the AU and the internation- all over the world as a symbol of humility, peace al community to eliminate this scourge. and reconciliation. 4. Call for support to the Libyan authorities, through international cooperation, in undertaking immedi- Conference resolves to: ate action to fight against the perpetrators of such crimes. 1. Develop a year-long programme of activities and events to mark the momentous centenary of Nel- son Mandela in 2018. 2. Mobilise all sectors of society to engage and par- Resolution on the Nelson Mandela ticipate in activities and events celebrating the cen- Centenary, 2018 tenary of Nelson Mandela. 3. Engage the International Community with a view Noting: to organising events and programmes that mark 1. That the ANC government has declared the year the centenary of Nelson Mandela. 2018 as the centenary of the late Isithwalandwe Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

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RESOLUTIONS

SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

The Conference adopted the Social Transformation children face. We therefore welcome the recent Report of the 2017 National Policy Conference. The High Court decision that nullified the common highlights of the rich discussions and debates are pre- law defence of ‘reasonable chastisement’ as a legal sented below: defence for parental and care-givers assault of chil- a. Our Social Transformation agenda is part of the dren. This brings the legal framework in line with continuing journey of social change that began in criminal law of assault as it pertains to adults. This 1994 when we entered into a Social Contract in development will contribute significantly to reduc- the form of the Reconstruction and Development ing overall levels of inter-personal violence and the Programme through which we sought to create A cycle of violence as South Africans will need to Better Life For All, so that together, we can create embrace the idea that violence is not an acceptable a South Africa that truly belongs to all who live in means to deal with conflict or differences. At the it as articulated in the Freedom Charter; heart of fundamental social change and transfor- mation are changes at the level of ideation so that b. Accordingly, the Policy Proposals that are being people think and act differently and in ways that presented, are aimed at building A Better Life For builds a more peaceful society. All; and ensuring that we accelerate our march to- wards a truly reconstructed, transformed, unified f. Our Social Transformation agenda has been very and developed South Africa, whose citizens, Black clear over the years that we are in fact in the pro- and White, equally enjoy better and fulfilling lives; cesses of building a new society. We are not ‘re- building’ as this almost gives the impression that c. This we do within the context of the Resolutions there was a time in our history where universal of the 53rd ANC National Conference which equality, respect for human rights and dignity ex- committed all of us to ensure a radical socio-eco- isted for all. Colonial oppression, discrimination nomic transformation aimed at ending oppres- and violence including violence associated with sion, poverty and inequality; and create a society in systemic social and economic exclusion is what we which all belong, live freely and prosper. have inherited and we need to build a new soci- d. We would like to emphasise at all times the co-ex- ety that is peaceful, equal and just as envisioned in istence of socio-economic rights. There is a ten- our National Development Plan, the UN’s Agenda dency to emphasise radical economic transforma- 2030 and Africa’s Agenda 2063. tion at the expense of radical social transformation g. We make the case that inequalities at the social which is an inalienable right, a First Generation and economic levels over centuries needs to be ad- Right in The Constitution, and the foundation of dressed if we are to reduce social ills in our soci- the Freedom Charter. ety. There is global evidence that societies that are e. Among others, our critical responsibilities are to unequal socially and economically are more prone transform our society and to prioritise the rights to have people who engage in the harmful use of of women, children, and people with disabilities alcohol and drugs, to have high levels of violence as well as the previously disadvantaged; work and high levels of gender based violence.; tirelessly to reduce discrimination and violence h. In any society plagued by high levels of social and against women and discrimination and violence economic inequality and related social ills there are against children. As the ANC we need to lead in of course people who are particularly vulnerable. the de-linking of “women and children” as a near It is for this reason that we take an intersectional singular ‘vulnerable’ group as it tends to entrench approach to protect the most vulnerable amongst the idea that women are minors as was the case us. An intersectional lens will show us that black under apartheid era laws. At the same time it also lesbians living in poor rural and urban spaces are brings into stark relief the inequality under law that amongst the most vulnerable. They are subjected

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to discrimination based on their gender (being our youth to engage in sporting and cultural activ- women), their sexual orientation, their race and ities and to concentrate on the important aspects class. This intersectional lens and concomitant of growth, especially concentrating on their educa- strategies will allow us to protect people like Eudy tion and skills development; Simelane a star player in Banyana Banyana who m. We have a duty to ensure that the Youth grow-up was killed in April 2008, at the age of 31 years, as disciplined and responsible adults, who shall because she was openly lesbian. have learned great attributes consistent with those i. Similarly, the girl-child is just as vulnerable. We have imparted to all of us by such leaders of the ANC a historical responsibility to in particular stop the as Chief , , Nelson sexual exploitation of the Girl-Child sothat they, Mandela and many others who have made it possi- are allowed to grow up in safe, loving and nurtur- ble for us to gather here today as free citizens; ing environments and have the opportunity to play n. At all times, and in all the things we do, we have their important roles in society. We point out that to increase the levels of women empowerment. the sexual violence meted out to the girl-child, can While we have made some important progress in only be fully addressed when we build a society the public sector on this matter, we need to ensure that does not condone sexual violence in anyway that we effect more improvements. and that we build a culture where no person, no matter how powerful or important feel that they o. Obviously, in this regard, the biggest challenge is have a level of impunity in terms of raping wom- still in the private sector, and therefore our pol- en. The most recent incidents of what we term icies have to help us to make drastic and visible rape promoting cultures was evident when young changes in women empowerment in this area, so women at Rhodes University were banned for life that through the empowerment of women in this from studying due to protest action against lenien- sector, we are able to help bring more social trans- cy by university authorities towards sexual preda- formation; tors including a young man convicted of rape. p. As we do this, we have to continue our struggle j. Further, we have to ensure effective protection of against patriarchal beliefs and tendencies that con- the Child, including the Right of Children to Ed- tinue to supress and oppress women; while we ucation; ensuring, among others, that children are have significant challenges in relation to violence not used to highlight and/or settle political and so- against women and sexual violence in particular, cial grievances; we have also made significant progress since 1994. One of our ore stellar achievements was the huge k. In line with earlier references to ‘ideation’ being reduction in the mortality rates associated with un- necessary for building a new society and one that safe abortion through the passing of the Choice on also seeks to address the cycle of violence we have Termination of Pregnancy Act which explicated to engage constructively around whatever chal- the constitutional provisions of the right to bodily lenges and problems we may have, and thus help integrity and autonomy. The ANC must, there- each other not to engage in violent protests, in- fore, vehemently oppose the proposed changes to cluding the unnecessary destruction of property as this Act made by the African Christian Democratic a means of highlighting grievances; the strength- Party (ACDP) as it will not only rob women of ening of local community based organisations that their constitutional rights but also rob them of are not party political, such as advice offices may their very lives as these proposals will again push contribute to building new forms of engagement women into the hands of illegal and dangerous among people and also how people engage with back-street abortion providers. government. At the same time constructive en- gagement by communities requires more respon- q. Again, as part of the important work of helping sive and accountable local governance and gener- the people to escape the degrading conditions of ally government at all levels that is accountable to poverty we must also improve our implementation its own rules and procedures and where there is no of integrated human settlements developments; room for those who are corrupt and use govern- improve our fight to eliminate the squalor of in- ment for personal enrichment while there are such formal settlements; and help give dignity to the high levels of poverty and inequality. Government people by eliminating the title-deeds backlog and must lead by example. And for government to lead household tenure security; by example, the ANC must be exemplary with r. We have a duty to help our Military Veterans respect to building accountability within its own through the improvement and implementation of structures. the various Policies directed at this important sec- l. Through these policy proposals, we have to help tor of our society; the youth to grow up as responsible citizens; for s. As we engage in these efforts, of improving the

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lives of our people, we must make sure that we 1.5. There should be more local production and do so guided by the ethos of Batho Pele, so that content screened on our televisions and whatever, we do, as ANC deployees at all levels of broadcast in national and community radios government, we strive to bring real social transfor- to reflect our values. A practical and sustain- mation to our communities; able percentage must be determined t. Of importance, we have an on-going duty to 1.6. ANC branches must strengthen their relation- achieve Social Cohesion and accelerate the project ships with key stakeholders such as inter-faith of Nation Building so that we are able to create a organisations, sports and cultural leaders, pri- just and inclusive society that draws on our rich vate sector and traditional leaders to enhance heritage; moral regeneration, social cohesion and na- tion building. Furthermore, ANC branches u. Clearly, we must, at all times ensure that through must intensify their communication and en- policy and practical implementation we fight and gagements with ANC government, Local Mu- defeat racism, because failure to do so, would nicipalities and Provinces mean we could never achieve the lofty objectives contained in our Constitution; 1.7. Relevant legislation in relation to hate crimes should be better enforced; all forms of rac- v. Overall, ANC policy is in place, and while refine- ism, crude and subtle, including tribalism or ments and adjustments to policy are necessary to xenophobia, must be eradicated; the mind-set meet the changing and shifting societal demands, shift from an image of an African as being a the key task is ensuring the accurate implementa- victim to being a victor must be addressed. tion of our policies. To this end, the ANC capacity to facilitate, monitor and evaluate this implementa- 1.8. African history and African symbolism should tion must be strengthened. be promoted including pre-colonial African history. The struggle for freedom and democ- w. We have no doubt that all these policy resolutions, racy must be documented in all languages. will help us move forward towards the attainment Libraries must promote the literary works of of our historical mission of Socio-Economic local and African writers. The use of indige- Transformation to which, we, as ANC members, nous languages must be promoted. This must have committed ourselves. include the urgent inclusion and diversifica- tion of statues on the Union Buildings Pre- 1. In relation to Social Cohesion, Nation Build- cinct and other high profile places in order to ing and the Development of Society, the Con- reflect African history. ference RESOLVED that: 1.9. The cultural values of diverse communities, 1.1. ANC branches must be effective agents of including in particular African cultural values, change as leaders in communities if the ANC which advance togetherness and co-existence is to drive the radical social transformation across the spectrum of human existence must agenda, and to achieve social cohesion and be promoted. nation building. 1.10. Patriarchy divides society and must be com- 1.2. To this end ANC members must be exempla- batted in all its forms. Gender-stereotyped ry in their conduct in their families, in their socialisation of girls and boys must be ad- community and in their organisations. dressed to build social cohesion. As part of this work the active agenda of promoting 1.3. ANC branches must lead our communities in women representation in key levers of pow- a programme of regular community dialogue er should be intensified. Leaders of society throughout the year on issues of social ills, should be capacitated to deal with matters of and on social cohesion and nation building. gender abuse. 1.4. ANC branches must be clear on the differ- 1.11. The public must be educated on the conse- ence between the ANC anthem and the South quences of criminal damage to public prop- Africa National Anthem and must sing the erty during protests. Government needs to National Anthem with appropriate respect impose heavy penalties to those who damage and etiquette. ANC branches must utilise the and destroy public property. government information booklets on Na- tional and AU Symbols as well as Anthems, 1.12. The Social Cohesion Advocates should be al- to ensure that national symbols are known in located across the provinces to support the our communities and treated with appropriate Premiers in driving the moral regeneration etiquette. and social cohesion initiatives.

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2. In relation to Safety of Women and Children, ability of the elderly, people with disabilities, Eradication of Substance Abuse and Gang- people living with Albinism, of the LGBTIQ sterism, and Promotion of Sports, Arts and community. ANC branches must be aware of Culture, and Empowerment of vulnerable changing forms of crimes against vulnerable groups, the Conference RESOLVED that: groups arising out of anti-social beliefs. 2.1. Education, sport, recreation, arts, cultural 2.6. The provision of safe public transport, in and heritage activities, clubs and programmes particular for girl leaners who live far from are important vehicles to combat substance schools, is an important element of preven- abuse, gangsterism, violence against women tion of violence against women and children. and children, and other social ills, as well as to achieve social cohesion and nation building, 2.7. In particular, ANC men must be visible in and should also be localised. 365 days campaigning against all forms of violence and abuse in particular violence and 2.2. Street, Block and Village Committees, in which abuse against women and children. ANC ANC members are active, are key vehicles of branches should rise and hold men’s march- social protection and social transformation. es against all forms of violence and abuse in These Street, Block and Village Committees their communities under the banner of Not in must know exactly what is happening in each My Name - Count Me In. street in relation to violence against women and children, substance abuse, crime and be 2.8. Overall, ANC policy is in place, and the key able to ensure that there are safe houses for task is ensuring the implementation of the victims, and that the police and social work- policy. To this end, the ANC capacity to mon- ers fulfil their functions. ANC branches must itor and evaluate this implementation must be also be active in and strengthen the Commu- strengthened. nity Policing Forums and Community Safety 2.9. The social challenges of racial tensions, xeno- Forums. Members of the communities must phobia, violence against women, children and know their neighbours and be concerned other vulnerable groupings, substance abuse about their lives. and gangsterism will all be vastly improved 2.3. The ANC needs to lead the processes related through strengthening integrated human set- to removal of offensive names and signage tlements, through an active sports and culture and the geographic name changes. Part of programme in schools and in communities this work involves the decentralisation of ad- and through improving the implementation ministration of heritage to the provincial lev- of existing social transformation policy. el. There should be Arts and Culture units at 2.10. Inequality, unemployment, and poverty un- each municipality, and local Arts Councils as derpin the social ills in our communities, and well as community arts centres. Municipalities so, education and skills development, and should be encouraged to support local cultur- internships and work exposure programmes al industries through the LED programme. that equip the youth with skills required and Local arts and culture programme should appropriate to the economy and economic be implemented. Municipal facilities such as opportunities are also important pillars of town and community halls should be utilised building social cohesion and the nation. for local arts, culture activities and indoor sports. 2.11. Effective resourcing of government struc- tures to fulfil their functions must be focused 2.4. The ANC should bring back the ANC Cultur- on and in particular sport and recreation al Desk with representation of Creative and facilities must be properly resourced. The Cultural Industries Federation of SA (CCIF- Department of Women needs to be fully ca- SA) and have cultural ambassadors to pursue pacitated to discharge its mandate effectively cultural diplomacy. The ANC’s Cultural Desk including enhancing its provincial footprint. needs to develop a Cultural Diplomacy Doc- ument. A Cultural and Creative Industries 2.12. Izindaba on the progress on the empower- Transformation and Performance Charter ment of women per sector needs to be held needs to be introduced. ANC should ensure on a regular basis. that there is continuous building of national 2.13. The State must provide sanitary towels to monuments to commemorate and remember girls and women, starting with the indigent our rich history and heritage. girl learners and young women and those in 2.5. ANC branches cannot remain silent on vio- the care of state institutions. Measures to im- lence against women and children, on vulner- prove affordability of sanitary products must

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be implemented including zero tax rating. country both in poor and affluent areas. 2.14. The comprehensive strategy for and the co- Sporting infrastructure must be extended to ordination and monitoring of the protection rural and township schools and be part of of vulnerable groups led by the Department all new school building. Sport should liaise of Social Development must be resourced with Traditional Authorities in the roll out of to enable effective protection of children, sport facilities and programmes to rural ar- the elderly, people with disability, and people eas. Parents should be encouraged to support with Albinism across relevant departments their children in their sporting activities. and spheres of government. 2.22. Sport and physical education must be inte- 2.15. The ANC must conclude its review and pro- gral to school curriculum from Grade R to cessing of the Kader Asmal Report on Chap- Grade 12. Sports professionals must be uti- ter 9 and other Institutions supporting con- lised to teach sporting codes. Anti-doping stitutional democracy. programmes in school sports should be in- troduced. 2.16. The Charter of Positive Values must be in- cluded in the curriculum of Life Orientation 2.23. A 5% sport ticketing levy should be intro- in schools. The revitalization of Provincial duced for all major and designated sport Chapters of the Moral Regeneration Move- tournaments to fund sport development. ment should take place in all provinces, driv- 2.24. The Draft Bill to ban alcohol advertising en by the Premiers and relevant MECs to should be converted to a MoneyBill with a ensure greater coherence with the national levy to fund sports, arts and culture and edu- programme. Part of this work includes the cational programmes. revival of the ANC’s Commission for Reli- 2.25. Policy review to determine the school sports gious Affairs to coordinate the efforts of the policy should be the prerogative of the Min- ANC with the religious sector, as well as the istries of Basic Education and Sports and ANC’s programme of action on moral regen- Recreation -and not the SGBs. eration. 2.26. Policy is required to regulate mushrooming 2.17. The socialization of our children, and in unethical churches and traditional practices. particular the socialization of boy children, to respect each other, to be healthy and ac- 2.27. Legislative review is necessary to amend all tive citizens, to take on roles in a non-gender laws relating to children that is inconsistent stereotyped manner, is the foundation of ad- with the Constitution, particularly in relation dressing social ills, and ensuring the mind-set to age of marriage, age of consensual sex, change necessary for social transformation, and statutory rape. gender equality, non-racism, and social cohe- 2.28. The calls to decriminalise Sex work must be sion. Take a Girl Child to Work should be subjected to a high level discussion and en- expanded to Take a Child to Work. gagement with relevant multiple stakehold- 2.18. Parenting was identified as a key area of ers, and to continue to engage society on this weakness in addressing social ills and in driv- to determine the societal norm. Sex workers ing the social transformation agenda. Support must be protected. to parents to develop appropriate parenting 2.29. ANC must strengthen and capacitate neigh- skills must be strengthened through govern- bourhood watch and CPFs to continue work- ment services, and through dialogue involv- ing with law enforcement agencies, and in ing key stakeholders such as religious, sports particular SAPS, to combat human trafficking and traditional leaders. Public education on and sex slavery. the safety of children, including the preven- tion children being left in the care of strang- 2.30. The need for police stations and service de- ers, must be undertaken by ANC branches. livery institutions should be determined by considering the population size, proximity to 2.19. Abuse of religion for sexual predation by residents, and the nature of services required. some religious leaders must be combatted 2.31. Decisive action against drug lords and envi- 2.20. Gender parity in sport must be promoted ronments for anonymously reporting crime at all levels, including national teams. Green should be created. jackets must be awarded for all sporting codes. 2.32. The Victim Empowerment Centres, Victim Support Units, and Thuthuzela care centres 2.21. Standardisation of school sports across the should be up scaled and fully resourced, in-

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cluding up-scaling the availability of social must be amended to enhance the promotion workers, including in schools. The integration of equality between men and women public of services and the utilisation of the Gender representatives. Based Violence Command Centre must be 2.43. Municipalities must regulate the location of taken forward. SAPS officials must be trained taverns and liquor retailers to be away from in gender sensitivity and appropriate practice schools and religious establishments. The in dealing with victims of sexual offences and Liquor Amendment Bill should also address domestic violence. this matter. 2.33. Public education and awareness on criminal 2.44. SASSA national administration should be evidence required for successful prosecution aligned with provinces to ensure that there is of cases of violence against women and chil- seemliness decision making and ensure that dren is required. there is accountability of provincial offices to 2.34. The full might of the criminal justice system, the national office. SASSA needs to urgently including the denial of bail and the sentence speed up the process of provision of ade- regime, should be utilised in the combatting quate and decent pay points as older person of violence against women and children, par- are often paid in the rain or heat. ticular in relation to domestic violence and 2.45. The government’s internship programme sexual offences. offers valuable work exposure for graduates 2.35. In new courts, the Children’s Courts should and thus entry requirements must enable and be designed to prevent children from expo- not unduly restrict entry and access. Part of sure to other dimensions of the criminal jus- this work must intensify career guidance pro- tice system. Cases involving children should grammes for the youth, as well as allocation be prioritised for speedy finalisation in the of more bursaries. courts. 2.46. TVET college qualifications must be de-stig- 2.36. The user friendly of disability specific access matised through a prestige programme of to government buildings for people with dis- partnering with local business and local mu- abilities should be accelerated. nicipalities to create opportunities of stream- lined job access for graduants. 2.37. A comprehensive programme must be im- plemented that addresses minimum qual- 2.47. The NYDA must be strengthened and re- ifications required for ECD practitioners, sourced to deliver effective youth pro- minimum norms and standards of ECD grammes with the national youth service, the infrastructure, State remuneration for practi- EPWP youth programmes and other youth tioners who work with children up to the age employment programmes as flagships of of 4 as they provide an essential service. youth development in government. Consid- eration should be given to reinstituting the 2.38. Regulation of advertising using children and Young Pioneers and the Masupatsela as lead- women, and reporting on abuse of women ing information disseminators. Youth em- and children, must be reconsidered to avoid ployment programmes should embrace new undue social media exposure of children and technologies. young women. 2.48. There is a need to professionalise youth work 2.39. Explore the introduction of mechanisms for for all youth development practitioners. organisations and employers to access infor- mation in the sex offender register to protect 2.49. The mind set of dependency among the children. youth should be discouraged. 2.40. Child headed households including street (homeless) children must be prioritised in 3. In relation to Social Cohesion and Social social protection policy, in EPWP opportuni- Transformation through Human Settlements, ties. the Conference RESOLVED: 2.41. The child support grant should be extended 3.1. To implement structured support to black- from the age of 18 to 21 for beneficiaries that owned companies in the housing and residen- are still studying in order to eliminate the ad- tial property sector, with special attention to vent of vulnerability. those owned by women, youth, military veter- 2.42. The Promotion of Equality and Prevention ans, and people with disability. 30% set aside of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) should benefit these designated groups.

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3.2. Transformatory urban planning and manage- those who are transitionary residents in ur- ment that changes apartheid spatial residen- ban areas for work and other purposes, the tial patterns must be focused on, with a move transformation of hostels into family units, away from dense single-use residential areas to and the provision of student accommodation those with appropriate recreational and sports and other priority needs. facilities, other socio-economic amenities and 3.12. The causes of shack farming are in part as the necessary public transport systems. a result of the need for income generating 3.3. In the creation of new cities and towns, opportunities, and must be addressed by plot planning should promote de-racialisation of size control and by laws regulating the build- society and development consolidation of ing of informal housing. peri-urban areas 3.13. The allocation of subsidised houses must be 3.4. This must include accelerated implementation consulted with Traditional leaders when de- and consolidation of human settlements de- veloped on land availed by traditional leaders. velopment legislation to utilise suitably posi- 3.14. Water provision must be addressed as an inte- tioned land for housing, and the enforcement gral part of human settlements and the Water of existing law and by-laws. Act should be reviewed to ensure that water 3.5. Land invasions must be curbed through ap- resources are a public good. propriate by-laws. Fast track the amendment 3.15. Our communities must be served by water of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction Act tankers where permanent infrastructure is 1998 (PIE) to deal with land for housing de- not yet provided to the community. velopment. 3.16. Municipalities must commission viability 3.6. To implement a rapid urban land re-distribu- studies for building of small dams to ensure tion and release through constitutional means water security in order to meet development needs in a structured manner. Mining and other private 3.17. Sanitation at community and household lev- sector land-owners should be encouraged to el must be improved and the bucket system release their land to the state for human set- eradication must be intensified. tlement purposes. 3.18. Community libraries, parks and socio-eco- 3.7. The sale of subsidised houses by beneficiaries nomic amenities should reflect on the plan- should be prevented and beneficiaries who no ning of new communities from the initial longer need the house must be assisted to re- planning stages. turn the house to the State for compensation 3.19. Institutionalise and mainstream Programmes or allocation of an alternative opportunity in aimed at youth development such as a Hous- another area. The rental of subsidised houses ing Youth Brigade in order to ensure their to non-beneficiaries be discouraged especially sustainability in the face of growing need. Accelerate the issuing of title deeds and registration of sub- 3.20. The ANC should champion proper service sidy houses in favour of the “family” rather delivery especially in areas named after our than the individual beneficiaries. leaders. 3.8. Uniformity in the standard of housing pro- vision across all provinces must be addressed Conference RESOLVED that following the 54th and remedial improvements of houses at risk Conference, the NEC must adopt a Social Trans- must be completed. formation Action Plan to: 3.9. Provision of housing for military veterans a) Facilitate implementation of these policies with must be fast-tracked and completed, with ap- specific roles of the ANC in the national, provin- propriate consultation, in line with applicable cial and municipal spaces; legislation. b) Enable accurate monitoring of progress in imple- 3.10. To conduct an audit of all unfinished housing menting the policies. programmes and implement a programme to complete unfinished housing projects. c) Outline the role of the ANC in championing and leading community development. 3.11. Human settlements housing options must include site and service schemes, options for people to build their own houses, high rise accommodation, affordable rental stock for

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RESOLUTIONS

PEACE AND STABILITY

1. INTRODUCTION and personnel will invariably weaken its capacity 1.1. The Conference affirmed previous resolutions and capability to reassert the authority of the State, on peace and stability taken at the 53rd National protect the territorial integrity of the Republic and Conference in Mangaung and the recommenda- ensure that all South Africans feel safe. tions from the National Policy Conference. Con- 1.4. The paradigm shift in the international space with ference also acknowledged progress done on the regard to Peace and Stability in particular the fol- implementation of the resolutions. However, it lowing developments since the National Policy was noted that there are some resolutions which Conference: have not been fully implemented. Further, Confer- A. Slave trade in Libya and human trafficking; ence accepted the description that since the advent of democracy, the county is relatively peaceful and B. US recognising Jerusalem as the Capital city stable, compared to other countries of the African of Israel; continent in particular, and the world in general. C. Escalation of terrorism on the African conti- nent. 1.2. The Conference further re-affirmed the thrust of the mandate as outlined in the National Develop- The Conference noted political developments in ment Plan 2030 that: “people living in South Africa Zimbabwe and expressed the hope that conditions feel safe at home, at school and at work, and they enjoy of peace and stability continue to prevail. a community life free of fear. Women walk freely in the street and children play safely outside. As a result of 1.5. Pursuant to the foregoing, the Conference identi- substantially reduced levels of serious and violent crime, fied the following key focus areas as critical for the businesses are thriving and local and foreign investors Peace and Stability Subcommittee for the consid- are establishing new businesses. This in turn leads to eration of Conference, namely: state of peace and the creation of new job opportunities and the reduc- stability as relating to the sectors of Correctional tion of poverty and inequality. The Criminal Justice Services, Home Affairs, Defence, Military Veter- System is well-resourced, professional and is staffed by ans, Private Security companies, Justice and Con- highly skilled officials who value their work, serve the stitutional Development, and Fighting Crime and community, safeguard lives and property without dis- Corruption. crimination, protect communities and citizens against violent crime and respect people’s rights to equality and justice. South Africa’s borders are effectively safeguard- 2. SOUTH AFRICA’S STATE OF PEACE ed, secured and well-managed”. AND STABILITY 1.3. There was acceptance of the security assessment 2.1. Despite relative stability, the Conference noted a which identified the four broad categories of plethora of challenges facing the country which threats facing South Africa. Those are; threats to requires urgent attention of the ANC led govern- the territorial integrity of the Republic, threats to ment. Those challenges include, but not limited to the authority of the state, threats to the well-be- the following: ing and safety of South Africans and threats to a) Activities of Foreign Forces seeking to un- the country’s economic development. There was dermine our revolutionary advances mainly acknowledgement of its fundamental mandate in perpetrated by Foreign Intelligence Services supporting economic growth towards the reali- (FIS); zation of radical socio-economic transformation in the current local and global economic climate. b) Continuing lawlessness and impunity which The Conference acknowledged the reality that the threaten the authority of the state; work of the security cluster is labour intensive and c) The porousness of our border environment therefore the mechanical reduction in its budget which threaten our territorial integrity;

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d) Acts of crime and criminality which threaten champion the fight against the manufacturing, the well-being and safety of our people; distribution, smuggling and the use of narcotics. e) Slow economic transformation which threat- k) ANC branches should lead the process of re- en our country’s economic development; viving Community Safety Forums and Street Committees to fight crime in their localities. f) Problem of Terrorism; l) Ensure the enforcement of appropriate legis- g) Information and cyber. lation on transfer pricing and illicit economy such as illicit financial flows. 2.2. Therefore, based on the foregoing challenges, the 54th m) Ensure the speedy implementation of Life- National Conference resolves as follows: style Audits, broadening of vetting and finan- cial monitoring to curb corruption. a) The need to tighten the current laws dealing with the activities of Foreign Intelligence Ser- n) Review all pieces of legislation relating to ter- vices, the abuse of the diplomatic immunities rorism in order to strengthen our counter ter- and acts of espionage in order to provide for rorism measures. the imposition of harsher sentences to serve o) ANC should lead the process of raising as a deterrent. The Ministries of Defence, awareness in communities through branch State Security, International Relations and structures of radicalisation of community Home Affairs should develop a framework to members by terror groups including through regulate the above matters. internet and social media platforms. b) The Department of Defence should deploy members of the South African National De- fence Force to assist members of the Police 3. CORRECTIONAL SERVICES Service in dealing with illicit mining. 3.1. The Conference noted that South Africa does not c) Expedite the implementation of the Border have an interstate exchange programme with other Management Authority to address the ques- countries. This is reflected by the following: tion of irregular migration and border man- a) South Africa holds in its correctional centers agement. approximately about 6440 sentenced foreign d) Conclude treaty agreements with the countries nationals serving custodial sentences averag- of origin of the incarcerated foreign nationals ing 10.6 years for various crimes. This puts in order to allow for the exchange and repatri- a heavy burden on the already strained fiscus. ation of inmates serving minor sentences. Four-in-ten of the 6440 foreign nationals e) Finalise the Immigration and Refugee Act in have committed serious crimes. line with the approved White Paper on Inter- b) Further, the Conference noted with concern national Migration in order to manage migra- the manner in which the country deals with tion taking into account the protection of low matters related to parole and its review pro- skilled jobs and certain economic sectors in cesses. These challenges include the following: the interest of locals. c) Correctional Services is segmented into two f) Government should allocate adequate addi- main streams, the custodial and non-custodi- tional financial resources to the security clus- al services that are governed in terms of the ter to effectively deal with the territorial integ- Correctional Services Act, (Act No 111 of rity of the country. 1998) as amended, and the envisaged Parole g) Government to ensure the compliance and and Supervision Act. enforcement of the Public Gatherings Act d) International trends show that numbers of h) Effect the amendments to the Criminal Pro- offenders serving their sentences within their cedure Act to categorize vandalism of public communities are much higher than those in properties as economic sabotage and be clas- custody, with custodial sentences reserved for sified as a Schedule 6 crime. crimes regarded as very serious. i) ANC branches working with local munici- palities to champion the awareness and pub- 3.2. Based on the above, the 54th National Conference re- lic education on the rights to protest without solves as follows: negatively impacting on the rights of others. a) There should be serious consideration given j) ANC branches should work with the Law En- to approval of a new policy to enable Prisoner forcement Agencies and local government to Transfer Agreements to be concluded at bilat- deter human-trafficking, illegal migration and eral level and on multilateral platforms.

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b) Government must develop mechanisms to modernise and maintain its systems and pro- enable the state to try, in our community cesses for the safe keeping and maintenance courts, any offender who committed petty of records. crimes, repatriate those foreign nationals con- c) South Africa is facing a high influx of immi- victed of petty crimes and introduce measures grants largely due to porous borders, weak to prevent foreign offenders, from re-entering legislative measures governing asylum seeker South Africa. management, weak enforcement capabilities c) The composition of the Parole Board should and the existence of good socio-economic be transformed to include key stakeholders opportunities and benefits which serve as the such as community leaders, and other eminent pull factors. members of the community. d) The African Union (AU) has developed a d) The Parole Board should solicit views of the protocol on free movement of people with- victims before releasing offenders on parole, in the Continent without visas, this protocol including repatriation in cases of foreign na- provides for the progressive implementation tionals. of free movement of persons, the right to res- idence and the right to establishment. e) Review sentencing and parole legislation to ensure that persons committing serious of- fences spent a longer time in custody. 4.2. The 54th National Conference resolves as follows: f) ANC branches should undertake educational a) Legislation be developed to reposition the campaigns in their areas to facilitate the rein- Department Home Affairs as a core security tegration of offenders into their communities. cluster department with adequate resources to g) The Service and the enable it to achieve its vision of a modern and Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services secure department, managed by professionals. should regularly meet and develop mecha- b) Put in place policies and legislation that give nisms to address overcrowding in Correction- effect to its full mandate on the management al centers. of identity and international migration in or- h) The Department of Correctional Services der to ensure national service delivery, eco- should educate released offenders on their nomic development and security goals. options of expungement or presidential par- c) Implement operational and organizational don where appropriate in order to facilitate models appropriate for the management of their reintegration into the society and their identity and international migration in a digital participation in the economy. world, including its law enforcement capacity. d) Accelerate the integration of the existing bio-metric data sets, strengthen cyber-crime 4. HOME AFFAIRS counter measures across the criminal justice 4.1. The Conference noted that the Department of system value chain. Home Affairs (DHA) bears the mandatory func- e) ANC branches together with Councilors tion to confirm and protect the identity and status should develop and maintain Ward profiles in of all citizens and all persons within our borders order to account for all the residents in their and to regulate immigration and the entry and exit respective wards and participate in the DHA of persons through ports. Further, the Conference Stakeholder Forums. noted the following key matters regarding the de- partment: f) Accelerate the development of the National Identification System linked to a biometric da- a) DHA operates largely outside of the security tabase of both citizens and foreign nationals apparatus of the state and does not receive lawfully residing in South Africa. sufficient funding for protecting its officials, systems and data, yet its work has a major im- g) Review the security clearance status to all pact on national security, social cohesion and DHA staff and repeat such procedures at the achievement of our Country’s develop- appropriate intervals not exceeding five years mental goals. as a condition of employment in order to ad- dress the issues of unethical conduct b) The DHA does not have advanced technol- ogy, sufficient information technology pro- h) Expedite the development of refugee pro- fessionals or legislation required to optimally cessing centers next to, or near the ports of entry to accommodate asylum seekers while

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their applications are being considered. 5.2. Based on these challenges, the 54th National Confer- i) Expedite the finalisation of the Border Man- ence resolves as follows: agement Authority (BMA) legislation and im- a) The Department of Defence be exempted plementation thereof, including the provision from using the services of the Department of that BMA assumes frontline customs function Public Works for the purposes of maintaining at ports of entry and revenue collection must their physical infrastructure and permit the remain a SARS function supported by BMA. Department of the SANDF Works Forma- j) Finalize the development of the White Paper tion. on International Migration including sup- b) Government should ensure that the budget porting legislation. allocation to the Department of Defence is k) Support the vision and implementation of adequate to enable it to effectively implement the AU protocol on free movement of per- the Defence Review. sons, provided that it is in compliance with c) The SANDF should play a central role in the South African laws. education of the youth on issues of patriotism, discipline and military skills development. d) The responsibility for the Executive Authority 5. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE and oversight of DENEL should be migrated 5.1 The Conference noted that the Department of from the Department of Public Enterpris- Defence remains a key strategic player in the main- es to the Department of Defence to ensure tenance of South Africa’s territorial integrity. The proper planning and control of strategic and Department of Defence has the full legislative sovereign defence capability. mandate to ensure the protection of South Africa’s e) Promote investments in the Defence industry borders, including the maritime and airspace. The to ensure economic growth, job creation, re- SANDF has undergone significant profession- search and development of dual use technolo- alization. The SANDF protects our Nation and gy. contribute towards the maintenance of peace and stability in the African continent at large. In addition, the Department of Defence plays a 6. MILITARY VETERANS major role of disaster management. Further, the 6.1. On issues of Military Veterans, the 54th National Conference noted the following key matters re- Conference resolves as following: garding the department: a) Re-affirm the resolution of the 52nd National a) The department is facing serious financial Conference, that the Government should es- constraints owing to the decline in its annu- tablish a stand-alone Ministry of Military Vet- al budget allocation. This is illustrated by the erans to be fully implemented by 2018/2019 department’s inability to fulfill its legislative financial year. mandate to fully deploy in the border areas. b) Military Veterans should be fully utilized in all b) The challenges of the Department of De- the areas of the security services such as se- fence are exacerbated by the limited resources curing of National Key points. allocated to support dedicated research and development pertaining to innovation, which c) Military Veterans should play a central role can unlock the potential for military innova- in uplifting the values and discipline in the tion being used for civilian purposes. The lo- ANC. cation of the DENEL under the Department d) The department of Military Veterans should of Public Enterprises denies the Department strengthen engagement with the South Afri- of Defence the necessary control over sover- can Military Veterans Association (SAMVA) eign capability and sensitive intellectual prop- on matter affecting military veterans. erty relating to strategic defence technologies. e) The Department of Military Veterans should c) The investment in the defence sector plays a facilitate health services in remote areas where leading role in the successful industrialization there are no military hospitals to cater for vet- and transformation of the economy through erans. comprehensive research and development, and dual use of technologies. f) The Department should fastrack the review and amendment of the Military Veterans Act of 2011.

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g) The Department of Military Veterans should g) Enforcement of the Foreign Military Assistance be part of the provision of housing for the Act. military veterans. h) The state should consider a possible partnership h) The Department of Military veterans should with the sector to affect its transformation. consider extending certain services (e.g health and education) to dependants of veterans and i) More effective implementation and scrutiny of deceased veterans. employment practices in this sector. i) The incoming NEC to consider the issue of j) The usage of military-styled camouflage uniforms the usage of military paraphernalia and weap- by private security companies must be outlawed. onry of disbanded former liberation military structures as well as other groupings in the country. 8. JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT 7. PRIVATE SECURITY 8.1. The Conference noted the following matters in relation to the transformation of the Criminal Jus- 7.1. The Conference noted that the industry has grown tice System: and contributes to job creation. However, of se- rious concern is the continued illegal employment a) Integrated Criminal justice system has not of foreign nationals and the exploitative labour been fully realized practices of some of these companies. Further, b) Access to justice for vulnerable communities the Conference noted the resistance by the sector remains elusive; towards transformation which is characterized by their undue pressure against the enactment of the c) The quality and capacity of state legal services Private Security Regulation Amendment Act. remains with a number of challenges; 7.2. Further, the Conference noted that the Private Se- d) The project of transformation of the judicia- curity companies acquire weapons of high calibre ry and the entire legal services has not been while having poorly trained personnel. achieved beyond Employment Equity impera- tives; 7.3. Further, the Conference noted that some in the in- dustry coordinate and send South Africans to pro- e) The issue of the doctrine of the separation of vide security services in conflict zones outside the powers and independence of each arm of the country. state has been a cause of strain in the recent period. The 54th National Conference resolves as follows: 8.2. The 54th National Conference resolves as follows: a) Enactment and implementation of the Private Se- a) The doctrine of separation of powers of curity Industry Regulatory Amendment Act should three arms should be clearly regulated by de- be expedited. velopment of rules of engagement without b) Develop regulations to set out minimum require- any arm of state undermining the constitu- ments for the registration and certification of se- tional authority of the other. curity personnel. b) Integrating and modernising systems of the c) Amend the National Key Point Act to restrict the Criminal Justice System through the use of utilization of the private security companies in cutting edge technology. the protection of National Key Points which are c) The Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (as amend- owned by the State. ed) should be reviewed to deal with the low d) Department of Labour must strengthen its capac- rate of successful prosecution. ity to monitor the exploitation and abuse of em- d) Department of Justice should bring free Legal ployees employed by the private security firms. Aid services closer to communities e) That consideration should be given to the utiliza- e) The Court working hours should be extended tion of Military Veterans in the provision of secu- including the possibility of using week-ends rity services for government buildings and institu- in order to address the high case backlogs. tions. f) ANC branches and relevant institutions f) Government to stop outsourcing security of na- should conduct awareness campaigns on Hu- tional key points and other strategic installations to man Rights matters. foreign owned private security companies.

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g) Expedite the passing of the Traditional Courts e) Further noted that the current number of po- Bill. lice officers on the ground is insufficient to the population of the country. The current h) Introduce harsher sentences for defaulters of ratio of the number of police officers to the child maintenance orders. population is 1:350 (conservative).The Con- i) Government must introduce especially harsh- ference noted that like many other countries er punishment for offenders who have com- in the African continent, South Africa con- mitted murder against women and children. tinues to face a plethora of national security j) Reaffirm the 53rd Conference resolution that threats, top among which is the challenge of “Government should strengthen briefing black lawyers common crime. The scourge of crime affect so as to equip them with defending the state, thus cre- the entire nation regardless of class, race and ating a pool for potential judges”. geographic footprint. k) The ICJS must focus on the following: f) Further, the Conference noted that there is limited dedicated and integrated ICT capac- i. Redraft the Criminal Procedure Act to ity and capability within the Criminal Justice radically transform old-order policies and System in South Africa. Further noting that court processes to improve the efficiency Criminals in South Africa are becoming more of the criminal justice system; sophisticated. This limited capacity hampers ii. Accelerate the modernisation of the the work that should be done by the various criminal justice system to enhance effi- role players in the CJS. ciency. iii. To improve victim support and the im- g) The lack of national norms and standards for plementation of the child justice system. policing in South Africa. iv. Strengthen the capacity of the State to h) Further noted that the current lack of norms maintain domestic peace and stability and hampers planning, budgeting and deployment to deal effectively with threats to domes- of resources to service communities. The tic stability caused by illegal migrants. police population ratio as its stands is inade- v. Enhance intelligence-driven investiga- quate and not aligned to a growing population tions. in South Africa. Policing needs and priorities are not aligned to new spatial development in- vi. Develop a corruption-resilient criminal cluding the current community and industry justice system. expansions. l) Expand the capacity of DOJ&CD to work with i) There is slow progress in the implementation other Departments with respect to the location, of the Judge Farlam Conference recommen- identification, exhumations and reburials of re- dation with regard to the professionalization mains of former combatants. and the demilitarization of SAPS. Further noting the appointment of the panel of ex- 9. FIGHTING CRIME AND perts and SAPS Ministerial Transformation Task Team to champion the transformation CORRUPTION for the police service in line with the provi- 9.1 The Conference noted that: sion of the NDP. a) Coordination between anti-corruption agen- j) The FICA review has been finalized and en- cies needs strengthening. acted by the President. b) Cooperation between the investigators, fo- k) South Africa has the highest illicit tobacco in- rensic experts and prosecutors is uneven and cidence in the region and is listed amongst the consequently some corruption cases are lost top five illicit markets globally. This not only due to poorly constructed dockets and cases poses a danger to the health of the nation, but presented to courts. also undermines revenue collection for the c) Strengthen implementation of legislation fiscus, whilst sustaining criminal networks in- preventing public servants from conducting volved in human trafficking, drugs and violent business with the state. criminality. d) The focus on anti-corruption activities should 9.2 The 54th National Conference resolves as follows: extend to issues like land, buildings, licenses a) There should be enhanced cooperation of all and permits, and provision of government anti-corruption agencies. services.

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b) Investigations should be intelligence driven establish a portfolio of a Safety officer. and prosecution led to ensure a high convic- q) ANC should strengthen consequence man- tion rate. agement system against comrades who partic- c) Public servants including those in the security ipate or found guilty of corruption. cluster should be periodically rotated in their r) Reaffirm the 2015 NGC resolution that, ANC areas of deployment so as to prevent unpro- leaders and members who are alleged to be fessional, overly familiar and frequently cor- involved in corrupt activities, should, where rupt relations with clients, service providers necessary step aside until their names are and other persons they interact with and/or cleared. are responsible for. s) The ranks of senior police officials must be d) Government should conduct a vetting audit reviewed, in order to adequately align func- for all employees of the State across all levels tions and responsibilities. including related entities. t) Reaffirm the ANC policy decision for the es- e) The vetting process should be expedited for tablishment a Single Police Service. government employees and all related entities u) There must be a closer working relationship f) There should be a single vetting agency for between police and social workers, especial- the State to strategically place public servants ly for aftercare programmes for women and (including State owned enterprises) including children who have been abused. those who reject promotion even though it comes with improved remuneration packages v) There must be more police visibility in our tourist routes and sites. g) The Deployment Committee policy must in- clude vetting and integrity assessment of de- w) Perpetrators of crime against women and chil- ployees. dren must be subjected to harsher sentences. h) ANC should take decisive actions against all x) ANC Volunteers must be encouraged to join members involved in corruption including and participate as police reservists. those who use money to influence Confer- y) ANC branches in partnership with faith based ence outcomes. and other Community Based Organizations i) Challenge the leadership of the public and (CBOs) must champion Moral Regeneration private sectors to subject itself to instruments campaigns in various communities. of financial interest disclosure, vetting and z) ANC branches and Local Municipalities must lifestyle audits. intensify campaigns on the fight against drug j) Increase the capacity of police officers in line and alcohol abuse. with the reality on the ground (ideally 1:150 aa) The Liquor Boards must review trading over a period of five years) including increas- hours of liquor trading outlets in the ing the number of vehicles and the police sta- townships and villages tions. bb) The Ministry to remain fully accountable k) Community Police Forums (CPFs) must be as the custodian of the transformation strengthened and adequately trained and re- of the South African Police Service. sourced. cc) The FICA regulations should be urgently l) The Ministry of Police should develop norms developed and implemented. and standards for policing. dd) All Municipalities must establish and in- m) All new community infrastructure develop- stitutionalize Community Safety forums. ments should integrate policing and safety ee) Enhance the role of Traditional Council plans. structures on community safety and se- n) ANC branches must ensure that they actively curity. participate in Community Police Forums. ff) Law enforcement agencies, led by the o) Reaffirm the 52nd National Conference res- South African Police Service and the olution that, ANC branches are to establish South African Revenue Services must Street Committees and ensure that the matter work closely with business and social is a standing item in all BEC meetings. partners to eradicate illicit trade in to- p) All ANC Branch Executive Committees must bacco, liquor and medicine.

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RESOLUTIONS

FINANCE AND FUNDRAISING

Noting: nomic change for an estimated 5(five) year period. a) The 53rd National Conference Resolution ac- On the other hand, additional resources need to be knowledged the need to enter into more radical raised to service ANC financial debt. These require second phase of the National Democratic Rev- and demand open minded approaches, taking into olution towards the attainment of the National account the organisation’s fundamental values, Democratic society, through the implementation customs and cultures, but more importantly, the of programmes to achieve radical socio-economic founding principles of the organisation. transformation in a scarce resources environment. f) The Treasurer General’s Finance Report to the b) The ANC funding sources through member- 54th National Conference acknowledges ANC ship, donations, deployees levies, and fundraising fundraising challenges, regardless of the public de- events, as well as minimal investments remain un- pendence on the “BRAND ANC”. The current sustainable. This requires critical assessment and public expression about the ANC is that the organ- innovative funding methods. Which shall consti- isation is characterized by infighting, factions, poor tute effective resource mobilization aimed to effi- behavioural conduct, and ill-discipline among its ciently implement the radical second phase of the ranks and file. The perception of corruption have National Democratic Revolution. negatively impacted the support the ANC , and this need an urgent attention to continue broaden the c) The resource to renew and rebuild the organisa- membership pool, support, admires, and friends tion for success is central to ANC members’ com- that see it fit to continue support and contribute mitment. History suggests that brand loyalty and time and resources to the ANC well-being. costly Public Relation (PR) exercises, ballooning of advertisement and increased election budgets g) Almost 70% (seventy) of the 53rd National Con- need a stable transactional balance so that the or- ference Resolution on finance and fundraising ganisation is able to sustain adequate liquidity to have been implemented, including party funding meet both short-term needs. In the probability bill that makes provision for an improved fund- of uncertainty in terms of future cash needs this ing of political parties from the fiscus. The party based on volatile operating demanded cash. The funding bill regulatory framework define funding organisation need to therefore maintain a larger models of political parties, outline areas of fund- precautionary balance to avoid the risk of experi- ing prohibition for parties either by government encing a cash shortfall. agencies and or foreign government, as well as foreign agencies. This legal framework is aimed to d) The high costs persist to contribute towards build- provide national interests protection from policy ing strong and campaigning structures, which are distortions, unscrupulous domestic and foreign politically and ideological equipped with cadres tendencies manipulations. The legal framework and activists grounded within the masses and the needs to be interpreted as such and be adhered to general South African society. However, these con- accordingly. tinue to be among fundamental challenges which require further attention from conference, as it has h) The effect of the subdued economic growth im- become unsustainable. pacts various sectors of the country’s economy, which subsequently effect the basic resource crit- e) It is a reality that ANC remain a revolutionary ical for ANC fundraising initiatives. The fact that movement that requires an independent resource the organisation is partly reliant on donor funding that is sustainable to continue the works of the or- and fundraising strategies. Almost 65% of ANC ganisation. It is estimated that conference in partic- generated revenue result from donor funding and ular, the incoming NEC need to establish a diverse IEC grants estimated at 17%. source of funding to advance both NDR and ANC works for the realization of the radical socio-eco-

77 REPORT OF THE 54TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE i) It is noted that operational such as personal costs, an organisational level given that every member is conferences, rallies and elections campaigns re- regarded as a fundraiser for the well-being of the main major organisational costs drivers. organisation. j) The current institutional arrangement rethink and 2. The incoming NEC will need to develop a com- redesign of adequate strategies and approaches prehensive strategy for driving rigorous party in- designed to equip the organisation to attain the vestments, taking into account the existing reg- objectives of the NDR, which also ensures the ulatory framework. The office of the Treasurer organisation modernise and adapt to competitive General led by the newly elected Treasurer must political environments based on accountability and continue with the already started road-shows to excellence. provinces to broaden participation of more mem- bers in these forums and other related fund raising k) The 53rd national conference emphasised the forums. need to comply with General Accepted Account- ing Principles (GAAP). The financial report has 3. The incoming NEC to develop a comprehensive demonstrated that this principle is embraced, resource mobilisation strategy with clear targets based on the fundamentals of financial manage- for the term, including utilisation of other means ment and accounting measured against Corporate of mobilising resources, such as investment, en- Governance Systems that comply with King Code dowment, purchase of short-term securities, etc. of Governance Principles. The Treasurer Gener- 4. The incoming NEC need to establish mechanisms al’s report to the ANC 54th national conference essential to help settle long standing debts and li- recommit and re-emphasise adherence to financial abilities, including a consideration to assign a re- and accounting prudence and professionalism. sponsibility of fundraising to a specific financial l) The Treasurer General’s report to the 54th nation- committee either outsourced or internally man- al conference of the ANC further commits to im- aged and monitored from the treasure general of- prove on expenditures and limit rising costs, wast- fice. age and further creates a platform that ensures a 5. That the NEC must create a new platform simi- culture of resources savings. lar to the Progressive Citizen Forum, which allows m) The incoming NEC need to look at the extent to foreign based ANC members to participate in the which the organisation balance sheet represents life of the organisation, including contributing in the current position or organisation value. The ur- the organisation’s resource base. Such a structure gent valuation of organisational assets will be able need to be urgently institutionalized with ANC re- to regularise the situation currently at hand. newed organisational structures and be launched to take a formal constitutional structure format n) As part of implementing the 53rd National Con- with immediate effect. ference resolution on the contribution of members ANC equitable to their income, the Progressive 6. The NEC to focus membership on founding Citizen Forum (PCF) was established and in 2013. ANC principle towards building a strong ANC The PCF contributions have rapidly risen to R16 structure based on politically and ideological- million in 2016. However, 2016/2017 recorded ly well-equipped cadre grounded within society. a decline in rates collections. Further constraints This needs to be appreciated as a long term-base resulted from an estimated 51% failed collections relationship and an influence to society as a major amounting to R14 million per annum. These con- marketing investment instrument of the BRAND straints need to be analyzed effectively to achieve ANC. Public Relations and marketing should be expected collection levels. treated as a complimentary tool to cement the long standing work relations between society and the Therefore Resolve: ANC. 1. To welcome the adoption of the 53rd conference 7. The ANC need to decisively attend and act to on political party funding bill that proposed a issues of corruption, ill-discipline, and miscon- pool of donations from both private donors and duct across ANC membership. As this need to be the state, and undertake to implement the regula- considered a vehicle to improve electoral support tion of public funding; adhere to the prohibition base and strengthen the development of BRAND of direct donations to political parties from state ANC. organs, state owned enterprises, as well as foreign 8. In the quest for stabilising resource mobilizations, governments and agencies. Further that the incom- the ANC must maintain professional management ing NEC analyse and evaluate the implications of and accountability systems in accordance with the the new Political funding bill and its legal require- GAAP principle of accountability with an aim to ments against resource mobilisation mechanisms. become an efficient and effective organisation. The NEC must also find ways of managing this at

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9. The process of organisational redesign that started ship information update. This allows for individ- in 2013 must be concluded and implemented, in- ual members to continuously update data. Further cluding adoption of: proposed that monitoring mechanisms be inte- n the proposed accountability and management grated to help determine membership validity and frameworks; branch awards, with an aim to encourage member- ship development and growth. n appropriate institutional arrangements such as the once proposed in the Organisational 12. The NEC to review or revoke current resolution Redesign document, which include, inter alia, on full membership allocation to the branches and operational and management structures; or provinces, due to high operational expenditure demands and expectations at ANC Head Quarters n creation of commercial property portfolio to as compared to branch, region, and or provincial realize the time value of existing assets; levels. For this condition remains unsustainable, n establishment of endowment fund and asset and therefore require to revert to ANC tradition- management portfolio to build reserves; al allocation format and formula(e) wherein funds are allocated according to a quarter of branch con- n proposed establishment of policy, political ed- tribution. And further that it is imperative for the ucation, Heritage and charitable institute/s; organisation to consider the upskilling of individ- n proposal on the establishment of mechanisms ual treasurers at branch or any level of the organi- to facilitate and regulate other organisational sation to improve funds management capacities. commercial initiatives; 13. The incoming NEC in particular the Treasurer n proposal to explore the establishment of an need to urgently activate and reactivate dormant entity for the management of events and elec- bank account of all branches, so that transaction- tions. al activities of funds allocations and donations are transacted and managed in accordance with ac- 10. The incoming NEC will have to immediately pro- ceptable standards. fessionalise a property management entity with a specific function that allows for property commer- 14. The resolution of the 53rd Conference which cialisation and use. Further, consider either build- directed that all membership fees be returned to ing commercial and or industrial viable properties. branches be rescinded. Precisely because, of the So as to enable organisational growth and revenue high cost of managing the membership system, generations. The ANC assets and properties might which renders the system unsustainable. There- need to be valuated to establish the extent of or- fore, membership fee(s) formula prior 2012 should ganisation’s fair values either in and or outside the be restored. country (domestic and abroad), as such undertake 15. The Treasurer General and Finance Committee to register in accordance with GAAP standards need to investigate various funding models impli- and requirements. cations such as individual donations, commercial 11. The NEC need to look at the development of an entities as guide to the organisational renewal and application “app” mainly to focus and improve management of donor relations. membership accessibility and allow for member-

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6

CLOSING ADDRESS BY ANC PRESIDENT COMRADE

National Chairperson, Cde Gwede Mantashe, Over the course of the last five days, our movement has grappled with the challenges and tasks of this crit- Outgoing President of the African National Congress, ical moment in the history and life of our people and Cde , our country. Members of the newly-elected National Executive The ANC has listened to the aspirations, hopes, wishes, Committee, cries and concerns of our people through the voices of Members of the Electoral Commission, the delegates representing our people from the length Representatives of the Alliance, fraternal parties and and breadth of our country. observers, As delegates representing branches of our move- Distinguished guests, ment you have given expression to our peoples hopes through the resolutions you have adopted here and the Delegates, leadership you have chosen. This is a deeply humbling moment, to address the clos- In electing the leadership, you, as the delegates to this ing session of the 54th National Conference of our Conference, have turned your back on the politics of beloved and glorious movement, the African National the slate. Congress. You have insisted that the people who lead this move- There is no doubt that this has been a Conference of ment should not be from one or another faction, but enormous importance and great significance. should serve our people in their own right as represen- In the months and weeks before this Conference, spec- tatives of the membership as a whole. ulation was rife that this 54th National Conference This Conference has given us an opportunity to con- would either not be held or that it would collapse. front difficult truths. Your attendance at this Conference, representing your In recent times, we have seen the ANC at its worst. branches, is a victory over the doomsayers and those who do not wish our movement well. We have seen an organisation divided against itself. We therefore congratulate you for having defied the And yet, we have also seen glimpses of the ANC at its negative speculative predictions by making this Confer- best. ence happen and ensuring it is successful. Over the last few days, we have seen the ANC that we There were some who even suggested that Nasrec know and love. would represent the end of the ANC as we would As representatives of nearly a million members, you as emerge from here divided. delegates have demonstrated that the ANC is an organ- We are still here. Standing almost 106 years later. Unit- isation that is alive to the needs of the people and that ed. it is hard at work to develop policies and programmes that respond to these needs. Nasrec 2017 has not only united us. It has strengthened us. More than that, we have seen at this Conference a movement that is determined to enhance its policies, It has galvanised us and rejuvenated us. to strengthen implementation and to work with greater We continue to confound our critics. determination to unite its members and build its struc- tures.

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Our people will judge this Conference not only by what As this Conference, we are in agreement that the ANC we have done here over these five days, but – perhaps cannot be strong and effective unless we are part of an more importantly – by what we do next. Alliance that is strong, united and cohesive. The people of South Africa want action. They do not We are confident that the outcomes of this Conference want words. will assist in advancing efforts to unite the former com- batants of . Our people want an ANC that lives up to its promise and is true to its mission. We must make the achievement of unity between MK- MVA and the MK National Council a priority of the They want an ANC that lives the values that it espouses incoming leadership. and holds fast to the principles that have long defined it. As we leave this Conference, we are resolved to pursue with greater determination a radical path of socio-eco- They want an ANC that uses public office not to serve nomic transformation, premised on growth, job cre- vested interests, but to build a truly developmental state ation and equitable distribution of income, wealth and and a vibrant, inclusive economy that creates jobs and assets. improves lives. The issue of land has been a matter of great concern to As we leave this Conference, we are resolved to humble our people whose land was taken from them. ourselves before the people. We will accelerate our programme of land reform and We are resolved to respect our people and earn their rural development as part of our programme of radical respect. socio economic transformation. We are resolved to cast aside those attitudes and prac- This Conference has resolved that the expropriation tices that have seen a gulf grow between those in public of land without compensation should be among the office and those they were elected to serve. mechanisms available to government to give effect to The African National Congress wishes to send a clear land reform and redistribution. message to all South Africans that we are resolved to It has also resolved that in determining the mechanisms be a more responsive and more accountable leadership of implementation, we must ensure that we do not un- and movement. dermine the economy, agricultural production and food We will continue to be rooted in communities through security. our branches and always seek to champion the interests As the ANC, we have been the central driver of prog- of the people. ress in our country and the economy over the last 23 We must examine, critically and honestly, our commit- years. ment to gender equality. Our efforts have been aimed at eradicating poverty, in- We must be conscious of the practices and attitudes equality and reducing unemployment that reinforce patriarchy within our organisation and We have placed the challenge of unemployment at the society – and we must work together to end them. forefront of all our actions in the economy. We need to become a more youthful organisation, more Our focus on education and skills training is beginning representative of the age profile of our population. to bear positive results. This Conference has resolved that we engage and pay Our social social development programmes have been heed to the views and insights of the veterans of our aimed at addressing poverty amongst our people. movement, organisations that have always worked with us, and many others. The policies we have adopted here provide a platform for faster and more meaningful implementation of the We will reach out to community organisations and oth- National Development Plan. er organs of civil society, understanding that they are critical for the exercise of people’s power and are valu- We will elaborate the decisions of this National Con- able partners for development. ference more fully when we release the NEC Statement on January 13 when we celebrate our 106th year of ex- We shall do so because we have a historic responsibility istence. as the ANC to lead society. At the state level we must confront the reality that crit- The Alliance has faced many challenges and problems ical institutions of our state have been targeted by in- in the recent past. dividuals and families who, through the exercise of in- We will work with our Alliance partners to repair rela- fluence and the manipulation of governance processes tions between the four formations that our people ex- and public resources. pect to lead the National Democratic Revolution.

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This has led to the weakening of our State Owned En- You have instructed us to forge a united ANC. terprises whose governance structures need to be re- You have also directed us to unite the Alliance and en- vamped. sure that its programmes are underpinned by unity. Whether we call this state capture or simply corruption, Another overarching task you have charged us with is this has undermined the integrity of our institutions, to unite the people of South Africa and work harder to cost our economy hundreds of billions of rands and heal the wounds of conflict and division. contributed to the further impoverishment of our peo- ple. We must focus afresh on the task of building a non-ra- cial country, guided by the injunction in the Freedom Given all these challenges we are called upon to act Charter that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, against corruption, collusion and other economic black and white. crimes prevalent in the public and private sector. Personally, I wish to thank you, with all humility, for the We must investigate without fear or favour the so-called confidence that you have shown in me. ‘accounting irregularities’ that cause turmoil in the mar- kets and wipe billions off the investments of ordinary I shall strive to serve our members, our supporters and South Africans. the nation with commitment and diligence. This Conference has resolved that this must be acted As the newly elected National Executive Committee, upon and stopped. and as President I speak on our behalf, we accept with- out reservation your clear instruction that we must We must also act fearlessly against alleged corruption work together as a collective, undivided and motivated and abuse of office within our ranks. by a single purpose – the service of our people. We embraced the Integrity Commission at our NGC We are aware that leadership in our movement is not and endorsed that decision at the 53rd National Con- confined to those who hold office. ference. I wish to pay tribute to Cde Nkosazana Dlamini-Zu- The setting up of the Integrity Commission is therefore ma, who contested the position of President, for the not in question as there is consensus that the Integrity manner in which she demonstrated commitment to our Commission should be supported and empowered to movement during the campaign. do its work without fear, favour or prejudice in order to restore the Integrity of the ANC and help cultivate and Together with the other candidates, we all pledged to promote ethical leadership. work closely in pursuit of the objectives of our revolu- tion whether we succeeded in our election bid or not. The terms of reference including its duties and powers should be discussed and finalised by the National Exec- On your behalf, I wish to thank those people who have utive Committee. made this Conference possible – the management of NASREC, the Electoral Commission and the Elexions This Conference has resolved that corruption must be Agency, technical staff, marshalls, security officials and fought with the same intensity and purpose that we the many service providers, donors and exhibitors. fight poverty, unemployment and inequality. The SGO and the Steering Committee have done a Through your deliberations, we have together devel- sterling job to ensure that we hold a most successful oped a clear line of march for the movement and for conference. the new leadership. I wish to thank the media for having reported the pro- You have, over and over again, emphasised that the ceedings of this Conference to our people and the ANC is the strategic centre of power for all its cadres. broader global community. The actions of Comrades who are deployed by the As revolutionary democrats, we recognise the vital role movement should always be informed by the interests that the media plays in facilitating the free flow of in- of our members and our people, not personal gain. formation and in promoting transparency and account- Their actions should always be a source of pride, and ability. not a cause for embarrassment. We register our concern about an incident at this Con- They should take us closer to the National Democratic ference involving a journalist and security officials. Society to which we aspire, not undermine it. We have sought a report on what happened and must This National Executive Committee that you have look at how we ensure such incidents do not occur in elected commits itself to follow the instructions that the future. you have issued from this, our 54th National Confer- I wish to thank our Alliance partners, representatives of ence. civil society organisations, guests from fraternal parties and members of the diplomatic corps who have been

82 REPORT OF THE 54TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE with us in various capacities over the past five days. We serve them without expectation of reward or rec- ognition. Above all, I wish to thank all our branch members, whose wishes and aspirations we had come here to rep- We serve them because we have chosen, each one of us, resent. to become members of the African National Congress and thereby to become selfless agents of revolutionary To all delegates thank you for your attendance and pa- change. tience and forbearance with delays in voting and pro- gramme planning. Finally, I would like, on your behalf, to thank President Jacob Zuma for the 10 years he has spent as the Presi- As Officials we have already observed a number of dent of our movement and for a lifetime of service to things we can improve. the people of this country. We will make sure that our next NGC and Conference It was during your tenure Nxamalala, and thanks to becomes a better experience for all delegates. your vision, that the National Planning Commission Please travel safely, arrive alive and have a peaceful fes- was established and produced the country’s first Na- tive season. tional Development Plan. Make sure to have a good rest and come back from the This is a framework for economic and social change holidays revitalised for the hard work that lies ahead in that will guide our country for many years to come. 2018 and beyond. History will record that it was at your insistence that We look forward to meeting again at the ANC’s 106th South Africa expanded its antiretroviral programme anniversary celebrations in East London on the 13th rapidly and progressively to be the largest in the world. of January. Through your intervention, we have made great strides Next year, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of in combating the epidemic, many lives have been saved the birth of our founding President, Isithwalandwe and many infections prevented. Nelson Rolihahla Mandela. We cannot close this, the 54th National Conference of True to his legacy and inspired by his remarkable life, let the African National Congress, without paying tribute us hold fast to the principle that guides us as the ANC to you for your contribution over many decades to the – that we serve the people of South Africa! struggle for freedom, democracy and development. We serve them with humility, integrity and unwavering I thank you. commitment.

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